Janet Prete/Herald
member celebrates her 100th birthday
By JANET PRETE Correspondent
Mildred Cohen, adorned with tiara and sash, entered the community room of the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside for her 100th birthday celebration on Jan 27. The party, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, just one day after her actual birthday, was postponed for a week due to inclement weather, which made traveling treacherous.
Cohen, a member of the JCC for more than 30 years, was honored at the group’s annual meeting last June 25, when she
Volunteer Fair brings Oceanside community together
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Oceanside Library was filled with energy last Sunday, as it hosted its third annual Volunteer Fair — the first at the newly renovated facility — drawing hundreds of people from Oceanside and beyond who were eager to connect with local organizations and find meaningful ways to give back. The event featured a diverse lineup of nonprofits from Oceanside and across Long Island, offering opportunities for people of all ages and interests.
Representatives from organi-
zations including the American Red Cross, Citizens Climate Lobby, Lend-a-Paw and the Book Fairies welcomed the attendees, sharing their missions and telling them about the various ways in which volunteers can make a difference.
“We’re always looking, as an organization, for financial donations, book donations, for volunteers to donate their time,” said Mary Blanco, of the Book Fairies, a nonprofit in Freeport that is dedicated to distributing books to underserved communities. The organization, which has been in existence for 13 years, has distributed over 5 million books, ranging from
children’s literature to adult novels.
“It’s a nice place to volunteer — a nice community of people who are very friendly and from all backgrounds,” Annette Ready, a recently retired teacher who started volunteering with the Book Fairies last year, said.
Other participating organizations included Girls on the Run Long Island, the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside, the Oceanside SAFE Coalition, Eager to Serve and the League of Women Voters. Whether through environmental advocacy, educational support or health services, each group demonstrated the many ways in which area residents
can make a positive impact. The fair also catered to students fulfilling community service requirements for programs like the National Junior Honor Society.
“We’re lucky that the community supports our program, community service and volunteer opportunities,” library Director Chris Marra said. “As different milestones come up
throughout the year, they need community service hours, so we provide opportunities yearround for them as well.”
The Volunteer Fair not only showcased the variety of ways that people can give back, but also celebrated the shared commitment to community growth and support in Oceanside and beyond. The Rockville Centre
Continued on page 9 Continued on page 10
Mildred Cohen celebrated a landmark birthday at the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC last week.
I.P. Schools respond to statewide cell phone ban
In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York State, the Island Park School District has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the social and emotional well being of its students.
Governor Hochul unveiled the plan on Jan. 22 as part of her 2026 Executive Budget proposal, aiming to eliminate distractions in classrooms and promote more focused learning environments. The proposal includes a ban on smartphone use from kindergarten through high school during the entire school day and allocates $13.5 million in funding to help schools purchase storage systems for the devices. Schools would also be required to establish procedures to allow parents to contact their children during school hours if necessary.
In a statement addressing the governor’s plan, Island Park Superintendent Vincent Randazzo emphasized the district’s ongoing efforts to manage cell phone use effectively.
“The Island Park School District is aware of Governor Hochul’s plans to provide funding for restricting cell phone use in schools,” said Island Park Superintendent Vincent Randazzo in a statement. “Our district has always prioritized the social and emotional wellbeing of our students, including with regard to cell phone use. We continually review our existing cell phone prac-
Island Park School Superintendent Vincent Randazzo said the school district will continue to prioritize student well-being as they await further details on Governor Hochul’s proposed statewide cell phone restrictions.
tices and procedures to ensure that students have an environment that is conducive to learning and free from distractions and will await additional details regarding the governor’s plans.”
Hochul’s proposal also outlines specific exemptions, including for students with Individualized Education Programs those managing medical condi -
tions, and for certain academic purposes, such as translation services. Additionally, while smartphones with internet access would be restricted, basic cell phones without internet capabilities and school-provided internet devices would still be permitted in classrooms.
If adopted, Governor Hochul’s new
cell phone restrictions would go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. As districts like Island Park await further guidance, the focus remains on fostering educational environments that minimize distractions and support student well-being.
— Kepherd Daniel
Centerpoint Church brings life to Oceanside
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Centerpoint Church, a growing nondenominational Christian community with a motto of “Brooklyn to Montauk,” established its newest location at 2630 Windsor Avenue in Oceanside. The new campus, launched in October 2024, represents Centerpoint’s seventh location across Long Island and has quickly become a vibrant hub for spiritual growth and community engagement.
A Vision of Growth and Revitalization
Founded in January 2002 by lead pastor Brian McMillan, Centerpoint Church has steadily expanded across Long Island, offering a contemporary approach to the Christian faith. McMillan, who remains at the helm as the church’s lead pastor, shared that the decision to expand into Oceanside was part of a broader mission to create accessible, community-centered spaces where people can find hope and deepen their faith.
“In an era where many churches and synagogues are closing their doors, our contemporary approach to faith and community has been a draw,” McMillan said. “We operate with a parish mindset, bringing our church to as many communities as possible, so people don’t have to travel far to connect with their faith.”
The Oceanside campus was born from a merger with the former Windsor Avenue Bible Church. The building, once home to a dwindling congregation of around 15 people, was at risk of closure. Pastor Hank Anderson, a longtime friend of McMillan, recognized the need for change.
“He had the foresight and humility to reach out and start a conversation about becoming a Centerpoint campus,” McMillan explained. “He saw the crowd being a little over a dozen, and realized if something radical didn’t happen, the
church would probably get knocked down and homes or something else would be put in its place.”
A Warm Reception and Rapid Growth
Since its opening, the Oceanside campus has seen significant growth. The inaugural service on Oct. 6 drew an impressive crowd of 503 attendees. While attendance has naturally stabilized, the church consistently welcomes around 250 people each Sunday—a large figure compared to the national average church size of 60.
“We’ve been doing ministry for over two decades,” McMillan said. “In a culture that’s often skeptical of faith-based organizations, we’re a trusted name. People know who we are and what we stand for. If you add all of our locations together, in January, we averaged 3,014 people as our Sunday average.
Meet Oceanside Campus Pastor
Rashad Clem o ns
At the heart of the new campus is Pas-
tor Rashad Clemons, a passionate leader with a diverse background. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California, Clemons moved to the Northeast 18 years ago, navigating life between Brooklyn, Boston, and Long Island before settling in Oceanside this past summer with his family, which includes his wife and twin boys who are sophomores at Oceanside High School.
“We’ve become very acquainted with U-Haul trucks,” Clemons joked, reflecting on his many relocations. “But I feel like (Oceanside) is a place where people feel immediately welcomed, and this could be a place for them.”
Despite the moves, Clemons remains committed to the community and his faith.
“Our goal is to serve not just the congregation but the entire community,” he said. “We want to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Oceanside and the surrounding areas.” Clemons is known for his heartfelt sermons, which McMillan describes as
both encouraging and challenging. “Rashad’s heart, wisdom, and ability to connect with people make him an exceptional leader,” McMillan said. “He’s a phenomenal communicator and when he teaches on Sunday, everyone leaves encouraged and challenged.”
Looking Ahead: Building Community and Tradition
Centerpoint Church aims to embed itself deeply within the Oceanside community.
“It takes time to build relationships,” McMillan acknowledged. “We’re actively engaging with local organizations, attending Chamber of Commerce meetings, and looking for ways to support existing community efforts.”
The church’s long-term vision includes becoming a cornerstone of the community, fostering connections that extend beyond Sunday services. As Centerpoint Church continues to grow in Oceanside, its leaders remain focused on their mission: to provide a place where faith, community, and purpose intersect.
“We want to be known as a church that’s for the people, not just for the congregation,” Clemons emphasized.
While Centerpoint maintains a unified teaching approach across its campuses, each location is encouraged to cultivate its own identity.
“We focus on the same core values and scriptures, but our pastors bring their unique voices and experiences to the message,” McMillan explained. “This helps us stay connected as a larger church while meeting the specific needs of each community.”
With a strong leadership team, a growing congregation, and a commitment to community service, Centerpoint Church’s Oceanside campus is poised to become a vital part of the local landscape, offering hope, connection, and faith to all who walk through its doors.
Photos courtesy Rashad Clemons
Pastor Rashad Clemons engages the congregation during a dynamic sermon.
Pastor Rashad Clemons delivers an inspiring message during a Sunday service at Centerpoint Church’s new Oceanside location.
The Hal Knopf Team
Regardless
“I
“I
Planning for Those You Are Responsible For
A client came in to see us for their follow-up consultation. The client shared that, in between their two meetings with us, the husband‘s brother had suffered a stroke and was now in a rehabilitation facility. He was a bachelor. He had no power of attorney or health care proxy. He may or may not have had a will -- they didn’t know. Further, they were unable to get access to his apartment to clean out the fridge, get his clothes, and look for his papers, because he had failed to put them on the list of persons approved to enter in the event of an emergency.
One of the most overlooked areas in estate planning is the question of who you are responsible for. Do you have a friend or relative who you know will need to rely on you if something happens? Either they have no one else or everyone else is too far away. If you have the responsibility, then make sure that you have the documents you will need to carry out that responsibility. Otherwise, you may be facing a guardianship proceeding. Similarly, so many of our clients have adult
children with young families. Do you know whether your children have wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies?
There are serious pitfalls for young families if one spouse dies without a plan. Roughly half of their assets go to their surviving spouse and half to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian for the children’s money and the unused portion must be turned over to them at age eighteen, ready or not!
A potentially more serious problem for older adults is whether their sons and daughters who have families possess adequate life insurance. If your son or daughter dies without sufficient life insurance, you may be called upon to support and educate your grandchildren out of your retirement money.
Finally, if you are responsible for the care of an elderly parent, then make sure it is you who has the power of attorney and health care proxy and not another sibling who may end up controlling the situation from afar, much to your dismay.
Daniel Tommasino/Herald
Students of the Greek School present during the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day Celebration at Panaghia of Island Park Greek Orthodox Church.
I.P. Greek Church celebrates education and spiritual bonds
The Panaghia of Island Park Greek Orthodox Church held a celebration on Jan. 26, honoring Greek Letters Day and celebrating Godparent Sunday on Feb. 2.
The Greek School’s Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day Celebration paid tribute to education and the pillars of Orthodoxy, with students delivering heartfelt presentations on the contributions of the Three Hierarchs to the Greek
language and faith.
Godparent Sunday highlighted the sacred bond between godparents and godchildren. The church community came together for special blessings, reflecting on the spiritual guidance godparents provide, followed by a joyful gathering with cake and fellowship.
— Kepherd Daniel
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CHASE TIMBERLAKE
Baldwin Senior Basketball
AFTER HELPING LEAD the Bruins to a historic 2023-24 season highlighted by a fourth straight Nassau Class AAA title, Timberlake joined a very short list of 1,000-career point scorers in program history. On Jan. 17, he reached the milestone previously achieved only by his head coach Darius Burton, a 1993 Baldwin graduate. Timberlake is well on his way to a second All-County selection, averaging a team-high 24 points per game.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Feb. 6
Boys Basketball: Baldwin at G.N. North 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Carey at Roosevelt 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Elmont at Hewlett 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lawrence at West Hempstead 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: South Side at Manhasset 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Mepham at New Hyde Park 5 p.m.
Girls Baksetball: Jericho at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Bethpage at Kennedy 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Mepham 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at South Side 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7
Girls Basketball: V.S. South at Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Clarke at Mineola 6:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Seaford at Malverne 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Floral Park at Wantagh 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Wrestling: Nassau County Division 1 qualifier tournaments at Farmingdale, Long Beach, Oceanside, Jericho, Massapequa and Kennedy 9 a.m.
Gymnastics: Coaches Invitational at North Shore 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hicksville 12 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Youthful Oceanside soaks up lessons
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetik, there’s been a lot of oncourt learning for a young Oceanside girls’ basketball team this season.
That was bound to happen, especially after “graduating basically two basketball teams worth of starters,” head coach Jared Stoler said.
And while wins have been hard to come by, the lessons learned have been invaluable this season for the Sailors.
“That’s something you can’t even quantify,” Stoler said. “Three of my fulltime starters were on JV last year and they’re basically only coming off the court when they’re in foul trouble or they’re gassed. For better or worse, whether it’s a tight game or a blowout, they’re still getting that experience and getting used to the speed of the game, which is terrific moving forward.”
Those three players who made the jump from JV straight into the starting lineup are sophomores Ella Murray and Bella Marsicano and junior Gianna Belone.
The only returning starter from last year’s squad is Camryn Weinberg, a senior point guard who was named captain before the start of the season.
In her third year on the varsity, Weinberg has come out of her shell, both on and off the court, emerging as the leader the young Sailors need her to be.
“She’s had the talent since sophomore year, which is why she’s been with us, but I’ve always been waiting for her to take that next step on the court, and even off the court,” Stoler said. “She’s been way more vocal than ever, which has been nice to see. She’s been upfront and open and honest about things and communication. She’s really mature.”
The fifth starter is junior Karley Handleman, a force getting to the basket who is willing to do the dirty work to help her team win.
Murray, Stoler said, is one of the most athletic players on the team. The fearless sophomore with a strong basketball IQ rarely leaves the floor.
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Senior point guard Camryn Weinberg was the Sailors’ lone returning starter and has provided leadership as captain of a fairly young squad.
Marsicano is a sophomore forward who “has so much untapped potential,” Stoler said. Belone has earned her spot in the starting lineup due to her work ethic and leading by example.
“She’s always giving 110% effort and legitimately just worked her way into the starting lineup and is in a position where I can’t take her off the floor,” Stoler said.
While the playoffs are not in the picture, Oceanside (4-12, 2-6 Conference AAA) heads into the final three games of the season with plenty to play for.
“I tell them all the time, just make sure you leave everything on the floor. That’s what I’m looking for for these next couple of games,” Stoler said. “We do that, we ride the momentum into a positive offseason and into next year.”
And they’d ride into a 2025-26 season with four returning starters.
“That’s pretty much a coach’s dream, right,” Stoler said. “So it’s honing those four girls’ skills, it’s getting all of the bench players to buy in, and basically getting everyone maximizing their abilities.”
Gillen is ceremonially sworn in to House
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Laura Gillen celebrated joining the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, at a ceremonial swearing-in at the Elmont Public Library on Jan. 25.
Nearly 400 people gathered in the library’s theater to honor Gillen, who was officially sworn into office in Washington on Jan. 3. Former Rep. Steve Israel did the ceremonial honors, with the help of Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen.
In 2024, Gillen announced she would run against Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito, whom she had challenged in 2022, losing narrowly. But voters chose Gillen by a margin of about 2 percentage points in last November’s election.
Congressman Gregory Meeks, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow also attended the library ceremony.
“As you are taking your oath, we could not be prouder of you,” Solages told Gillen. “This moment is really a testimony to your hard work, your dedication and the trust that you have earned from so many of us. Your vision in this district gives us hope and gives us confidence. And we know that the integrity, compassion and determination you have will resonate here, in D.C. and all over.”
Meeks recalled the uncertainty of the October election, particularly in the 4th C.D. But, he said, the Democratic caucus chose Gillen to run because of her character, her ability to connect with the community and her care for all citizens.
“You can’t be a leader if you’re not willing to serve,” Meeks said. “And we
saw in Laura one that served and one that listened. She’s coming and talking to all sides, and she’s looking for ways to bring people together to better the entire United States of America.”
“So, I made it to Capitol Hill,” Gillen laughed when it was her turn to speak, to loud applause. “I have gratitude for
the awesome opportunity to serve the people of this district, and gratitude to all those that made this possible.”
She thanked the elected officials who supported her campaign, expressed enthusiasm about working with them and thanked her family, who she said sacrificed so much in the months leading up to the election to help her campaign.
From 2018 to 2019, Gillen was the first Democrat to serve as Town of Hempstead supervisor in 112 years, which she attributed to her dedication to compromise and bipartisanship.
“Working across the aisle was a necessity,” she said. “It wasn’t always easy. But with a carrot and a stick, we made it possible.”
Among her successes during her time as supervisor, she continued, was the leadership she demonstrated in bringing down taxes, upgrading infrastructure, serving communities that had been ignored, challenging polluters and bringing vital ethical reforms to the town to ensure that public servants were accountable to the people they serve.
“Now, as your congresswoman, those lessons will continue to guide me,” she said. “I’ll always put Long Island and our nation first, and work to do what’s best for all the people in our community. It is the honor of my lifetime to be your congresswoman.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Former U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, left, and Rep. Laura Gillen’s husband, Chris Gillen, took part in her ceremonial swearing-in before a cheering crowd, three weeks after Gillen began her term in the House of Representatives.
Cohen kept busy exercising throughout the pandemic
was given an award for her vibrant participation and dedication.
She said the JCC is like family to her — it’s where she spends her time playing Canasta and Mahjong, and has delved into various volunteer activities, such as knitting blankets for children with cancer.
Cohen, her brother and sister grew up on the Lower East Side, where the schools were wonderful, she said. She still keeps an active social calendar, but misses reminiscing with her siblings, who have passed.
“We had less but we had much more, if you know what I’m saying,” she recalled of her childhood.
She learned secretarial skills in high school and went to work for one of the senior partners at Lehman Brothers, an investment firm. She then worked for the chairman of the board at Norton Lilly International, a shipping agency, but retired 50 years ago when her daughter, Bonnie Zebalese, had a baby, and Cohen wanted to spend more time with her family.
Cohen, who also has two sons, Warren and Mark, said her children were so well behaved that she took them shopping all the time. She said people would often ask how she got them to behave so well, and she said they were just good, refusing to take any of the credit.
Her sons currently live out of state, but her daughter is still close by and vis-
its her mother weekly. Although Cohen lives completely independently, she has never learned how to drive, so Zebalese takes her to all doctors’ appointments, shopping, and does all the cooking for her, apportioning meals into single serving containers to keep in the refrigerator. Only recently has Zebalese hired a companion to stay with her mother, Monday to Friday, to prepare her breakfast, keep her company, and make sure she is safe in her apartment.
Zebalese always had a close relation-
ship with her mother, who was her confidante growing up. Cohen also has stayed close with Zebalese’s children, taking them to Broadway shows, and occasionally staying with them overnight. Cohen now also has six great-grandchildren.
Hope Firestone, Cohen’s friend at the JCC, said Cohen didn’t stop exercising throughout the Covid pandemic. Unable to use the gym, she would walk 100 times around the parking lot across the street from her apartment.
A social person, Cohen invited a
small group of friends to her apartment for card games during Covid. They all wore masks, and Cohen provided snacks and gave everyone their choice of a scarf she had knitted. Firestone, who was part of that small group, said Cohen’s apartment is beautiful, with Cohen’s own depictions of Chagall’s “Windows” hanging on the wall, done in needlepoint.
“She’s a very inclusive person,” Firestone said.
When Cohen’s husband, Murray, died at the age of 79, she sold their house in Lynbrook and downsized to an apartment where she has lived for the last 27 years.
“I was married to a very, very lovely person, wonderful father, wonderful husband,“ Cohen said.
Cohen, who’s proud that she doesn’t take any prescription medication, imparted the secret to a happy life and a happy marriage: “Not arguing. And the way you don’t argue is you give in some of the time. Not all of the time, but some of the time.”
Those who have come to meet her at the JCC have described Cohen as a happy person and sharp as a tack. She often shows a great sense of humor as well, with a surprising confession from time to time.
“I’ll tell you a secret,” Cohen said. “I have matching underwear for every outfit. If I wear a leopard outfit, I wear leopard underwear.”
Janet Prete/Herald One-hundred-year-old JCC member Mildred Cohen with her daughter, Bonnie Zebalese, at Cohen’s birthday celebration.
Community groups shine at Volunteer Fair
Lions Club, represented by Bill Manteria and Jeff Chesner, took part even though Oceanside doesn’t have its own Lions chapter.
“We draw some of our members from around the Oceanside area,” Manteria said. The club, which has 85 members, and organizes several community events, like the Restaurant Crawl on May 7, in which participants will be able to sample dishes from a dozen or more local restaurants. The club also has a food drive scheduled for April 5 at the Oceanside Stop & Shop.
Jules Yanatos, an Oceanside high school sophomore, shared her experience with Oceanside SAFE — Substance Abuse Free Environment — an organization focused on community health and safety. “I like it a lot,” Yanatos said. “I feel like it’s such a good cause we’re advocating for.”
The coalition’s mission is to help prevent and reduce alcohol and drug use among young people by expanding prevention education, hosting workshops and resource fairs.
“I know a lot of kids at my school who have, like, fallen into stuff like that, and I’ve had family members, in the past, deal with it,” Yanatos said. “Knowing that you could have changed someone’s life if you helped put a stop to it earlier can be sad.”
The event also featured informative presentations, as Assistant Library Director Tony Iovino discussed how nonprofits can use the facility’s resources and software to reach bigger audiences. Local officials also stopped by.
“Oceanside is such a wonderful community, and they have so many organizations that do volunteer work,” Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder said. “I got to go to a lot of the community events, and you see a lot of the same people, and there’s a phenomenal core group of people that have just devoted themselves to serving their community and bettering the lives of everyone around them.”
Mellissa Baptiste/Herald
Oceanside Library staff and friends helped organized the third annual Volunteer Fair at the newly renovated library last Sunday.
Clubs and nonprofit groups in Oceanside and surrounding communities told residents what they do, and recruited volunteers.
The Oceanside Community Warriors told attendees what the group is all about. From left were Danny Faust, Michael D’Ambrosio, Terrance McGuire, Joe Glavin, Seth Blau, Jacqueline Padi and Brian Driscoll.
Victoria Ramalho and Jeanine Badalamenti represented Oceanside Unified.
COnTinUeD
STEPPING OUT
SCORE BIG
on Super Sunday
Go for the ‘tasty ‘win’
By Karen Bloom
It’s the biggest sports day of the year. The big game — on Feb. 9 — is great opportunity for casual winter entertaining.
Thrilling plays, must-see commercials and your pals are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Of course that game on the big screen is the main focus, but plenty of action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well fed is a sport in itself.
While crowd-pleasing Buffalo flavor-inspired foods and football always seem to go together, think beyond those traditional flavors for a new twist on your Super Bowl cuisine.
Baked Spinach and Chicken Dip
A tasty dip is always a winner. Try this flavorful, creamy variation — in addition to the guacamole.
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped Heat oven to 375 F.
In microwave-safe medium bowl, add cream cheese and dressing. Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until cream cheese is soft. Stir to combine. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add chicken and stir to combine.
Transfer mixture to baking dish that holds at least 6 cups. Bake 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 F.
Serve with crackers, bread or veggie sticks.
Note: If you like it spicy, substitute a chipotle ranch
dressing and add diced pickled jalapenos. To make ahead, prepare unbaked dip up to 3 days ahead; store covered and refrigerated. Bake prior to serving.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza
Instead of the pizza delivery, get creative with “garlic bread” version.
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt. Transfer mixture to a 9”-x13” baking dish then spread pizza sauce on top. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and pepperoni.
Halve biscuits and roll into balls, then place on top of dip.
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, and parsley. Brush on biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
Bake until biscuits are golden and cheese is melty, about 45 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake until biscuits are cooked
Sheng Wang
through, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Step up your chili with a barbecue twist.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 26-28 ounces crushed or chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
Chili fixin’s: shredded Mexican cheese, avocado, jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, fresh tomato, corn chips, and salsa are all great additions.
Over medium heat, saute onion and carrots in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and spices and saute another minute. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth and simmer over low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the corn, beans, and barbecie sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder and cumin to spice up if necessary.
Simmer another 5 minutes or until ready to eat. Serve with your favorite chili add-ons.
With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special “Sweet & Juicy” produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedianactor-writer Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage. Wang is now truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Texas, Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and wrote for ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang now resides in L.A. and in his time explores botanical gardens and new ways to snack.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Boyz II Men
R&B superstars Boyz II Men are always in the groove. They arrive at Tilles Center with their soulful multi-octave sound and incredible vocals, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Given the monumental success of their albums and the timeless quality of their vocals, it’s easy to see why they remain one of the most popular R&B groups of all time. Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across generations. Their four Grammys are just the tip of the iceberg. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group, with an astounding 64 million albums sold. And the reason is abundantly clear. For the past three-plus decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. And for Boyz II Men, the hits just keep on coming.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Barbecue Three Bean Chili
THE Your Neighborhood
Friends of the Brothers
Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years, has recorded with Double Trouble and Band of Gypsys and toured with Experience Hendrix. Singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers Band biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast
Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday with a hearty breakfast for a great cause! The Oceanside Kiwanis Club hosts its annual Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Cafeteria, 110 Anchor Ave., Oceanside. Proceeds benefit Kamp Kiwanis and fund scholarships and local programs for children.
Bird walk
The South Shore Audubon Society welcomes all to join its members for another in its series of bird walks, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, Feb. 8, starting at 9 a.m. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet The group will meet in parking lot #3, off Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit ssaudubon.org.
Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment
Friends’ perform songs from every stage of Allman Brothers career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players, including drummers Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters, Bob Weir, Robert Randolph) and Lee Finkelstein (Tower of Power, Blues Brothers), bassist Craig Privett (Half Step) and keyboardist Mike Katzman (Leslie Mendelsohn, The Electrix). Rock on! $38, $33. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org.
Sponsorship opportunities include the Happy Kamper table ($550), food table ($200), breakfast table ($100), and placemat ads ($40). Businesses and individuals can also donate items for the “Touchdown Raffle Prizes.” Enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting a wonderful cause! For more information or to sponsor, contact the Oceanside Kiwanis Club.
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards.
No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Feb. 7, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 12-13,10:15 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 saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship and show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine.
“Through My Lens”
Photography
Exhibit
Photographer and former journalist Joseph Kellard brings his exhibit, “Through My Lens: Skyscrapers to Sunrises to Surfers,” to Oceanside Library in February. Featuring 32 captivating images, the collection includes stunning scenes from Long Island parks, iconic New York City cityscapes, travel moments from Italy and Portugal, and expressive portraits of people and animals. The exhibit opens Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Oceanside Library.30 Davison Ave.
Chamber Installation Dinner
Have questions about tech?
On Exhibit
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.
Studio Time Art Club
Studio Time Art Club meets at Island Park Library, Thursday, Feb. 13, noon-3 p.m. This congenial group of local artists gathers monthly to create watercolor or acrylic paintings, draw with pastels, and more. Participants must bring their own materials. Note: Oil paints or turpentine with strong odors are not permitted. Visit islandparklibrary. org for more information. 176 Long Beach Road.
Save the date for a special evening hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., at Kombert Caterers. The gala honors the Hal Knopf Team at Compass as Business of the Year and Thomas Lehman as Citizen of the Year, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the community. Join us in celebrating these outstanding honorees. 3050 Oceanside Road. For more, visit oceansidenychamber.org.
Having an event?
Need help with your device? Get one hour of one-on-one help from a librarian, at Oceanside Library, every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. For your session, have a clear goal(s) in mind (i.e.: navigating smart phone, attaching documents to email, creating a spreadsheet for a specific purpose, etc.). Come prepared with all login usernames and passwords you might need and bring a notebook in case you would like to take notes. Tech help is by appointment only. Sessions are limited to a maximum of once a month per patron. 56 Atlantic Ave. Register at OceansideLibrary.com or call (516) 766-2360.
Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons
Start learning Mah Jongg over six Wednesdays, Feb. 20-April 10 (no class on March 19), 3:45–5:45 p.m., at the Friedberg JCC. For more information call the Friedberg JCC (516) 766-4341
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.
Hempstead House tour
Feb.
16
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, 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.
Chambers workshop focuses on marketing
Local businesses, hosted by Richner Communications, learn to reach customers in new ways
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Nassau County small businesses gathered to learn about cutting-edge digital marketing strategies from Richner Communications’ Lori Berger at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Roslyn, on Jan. 21.
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce organized a series of workshops to help local businesses thrive in 2025, sharing information about computer systems, financial planning and communications and marketing. Berger was a presenter for two marketing classes: one in Malverne, on Jan. 14, and the class a week later in Roslyn.
“I’m so passionate about helping people and small businesses with marketing,” Berger said. “We’re a community newspaper company. That’s what we do.”
Her presentation walked attendees through four core aspects of marketing: offline, social media, E-commerce and websites.
The marketing presentation was for businesses in Zone 1, north of Route 25, and it was attended by about 50 small business leaders from throughout the zone. The workshop was made possible by a Nassau County Technical Services grant, which is designed to help the local economy by offering guidance to small businesses free of charge.
Ira Reiter is a co-owner of the Barking Biscuit with his wife, Hillary, and president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. Their business took off five years ago, around the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Social media proved to be a vital tool that helped their to succeed.
Richner Communications offered complimentary one-on-one meetings for all attending businesses to review their search engine optimization and social
media presence — a service Reiter intends to follow up on.
“We are looking forward to it — were just hoping that we can absorb everything,” Reiter said. “So much, and so much fantastic information that came out of last night, and it will help us with our online presence.”
The workshop encouraged Reiter to use Geo-Fencing, a technique to target
Janna Rodriguez, founder of the Innovative Daycare Corp., in Freeport, has been helping children learn and grow for 12 years. “We’ve created a strong support system between the families, the community, the educators and the other organizations that we partner with,” she said.
The NCCC provides a service that makes entrepreneurship much more accessible in Nassau County, Rodriguez said. “The reason that I was interested in marketing is because small businesses, such as myself, find it very difficult to be able to hire a marketing consultant, especially when you’re first starting up,” she said.
In the workshop she discovered that her business comes up on the front page of search engines, and she was advised her to plan more content for Facebook and Instagram.
This was the first time the NCCC has offered classes at no cost, according to Russel Green, a board member of the council and president of the Syosset and Woodbury Chambers of Commerce.
A Chamber “allows other businesses and individuals in the community to know who you are and when you’re starting,” Green said. “We’ll support you, hopefully, for many, many years.”
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
About 50 small businesses owners gathered at Roslyn’s Hilton Garden Inn on Jan. 21 to learn about digital marketing with Lori Berger, of Richner Communications.
Author Jen Calonita visits O’Side School for PARP
Oceanisde School 9E students were excited to hear from author Jen Calonita about how she comes up with her stories, many of which feature beloved Disney characters. Calonita visited to celebrate PARP, a PTA sponsored program that encourages the shared love of reading and stands for “Pick A Reading Partner.”
Calonita grew up on Long Island and said that she struggled with reading in her early elementary years but caught the reading and writing fever when a teacher gave her Judy Blume’s Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing. Not long after, she wrote her first story, later worked on her high school’s newspaper, and became an entertainment journalist with Teen People magazine.
Her stint interviewing celebrities gave her the idea for her first book, My Secret Hollywood Life. She has since written more than 30 books for teens and children.
Calonita told students that she likes to take a familiar story and put a twist on it -- she might feature a well-known character as a child, or imagine two protagonists meeting for the first time. During her talk, she encouraged students to share ideas and together with the children wove a story about Sonic the Hedgehog and Ant Man teaming up to defeat a plot by Darth Vader and the evil queen from Snow White.
— Kepherd Daniel
Courtesy Oceanside School District
A school #9E student offers a story idea to author Jen Calonita, who had engaged the students in a storytelling activity during her visit for #9E’s reading celebration.
HERALD SchoolS
I.P. students participate in No
Students at Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park participated in No Name-Calling Week from Jan. 21-24, a schoolwide effort to eliminate bullying.
The week featured educational activities aimed at ending name calling of all kinds. It also provided students with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about eliminating bullying in the community.
Highlights of the week included a video presentation made by student ambassadors during social studies classes and listening to a poem written by members of the student council during a daily announcement. The middle schoolers also signed a No NameCalling Week pledge.
Lincoln Orens Middle School students took a pledge for No NameCalling Week.
— Kepherd Daniel
Courtesy of Island Park Public Schools
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 18, 2025, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 13, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges, against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 18, 2025 lien sale, Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at:
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February, 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2023 - 2024 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2024. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 31, 11 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2023/2024 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.
IMPORTANT
THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2023/2024 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER. TOwN OF HEMPSTEAd SCHOOL:11 OCEANSIdE UFSd
NEW STREET ASSOCIATES LLC 774.80 43194 01490
NEW STREET ASSOCIATES LLC 28,304.90 43194 01540
CENCI DERIK 8,571.31
43202 00010 1-3
MURRAY BETHEL & JAMES 3,216.61 43203 00030 3-4
NIEVES XYROIBMA 8,719.43 43206 00730
DINICOLA JOHN & MURIEL 12,927.58 43212 00040 4-6
CAPRINO JOHN & ELLEN 4,075.62 43212 00250 25-27
LEMKE PAMELA R & 11,859.04 43215 03090
IVOJEVIC REMZIJA & ADVISA 14,870.09 43219 00060 6-8
CESARE ALPHONSE & MARION 21,020.01 43219 00390
CENCI RAYMOND & DORIS 13,103.13 43219 00550
LUBINSKI WALTER 13,397.03 43219 00570
SABORIDO JOSE 18,357.54 43235 00010 1-2
BLUNDELL THOMAS 2,598.93 43239 00190
LEMKE PAMELA R & 32,901.61 43239 00210
AXISA JOHN 3,055.20
43241 00670 67-68
RAGO JAMES & GRACE 4,933.36 43246 00430 REY STEVEN T & PAOLA 13,507.27 43246 00550
LABRUZZI DEBRA 6,644.29 43247 00300
LOGUIDICE MICHAEL TRUST 45,225.35
43281 01970 197-210,219
SCHWEITZER ROAD LLC 19,848.51
43281 02200
BIANCO DAVID T 11,372.43
43290 00510 51-53
POWELL MILL LLC 17,651.14
43301 0104A 104A,104B
POWELL MILL LLC 2,734.69
43301 0106A 106A,106B
POWELL MILL LLC 2,363.49
43301 01120
GHANI USMAN 20,339.85
43307 00030 3, 54-55
BUNNEY RODNEY P & MARIE 23,155.72
43307 02430 243,294
HOLUB JOHN & HELEN 310.05
43311 01510
LA SCALA GIUSEPPE & ANTONETTA 8,782.18
43313 00350
STAMATOPOULOS ARISTIDIS & STELL 9,217.55
43316 03120 312-313
PENKERT ROBERT A 2,432.89
43327 00380 38-41
ORTH KATHLEEN 22,455.81
43327 01240
JENSEN HOWARD & AUDREY 4,762.01
43330 01450
BELL BERYL H 2,638.75
43335 00010 1-3
GAMBINA LORENZA M 4,888.67
43339 00400 40-44
MICHELS STUART J & PAMELA 13,676.69
43339 00510 51-53
STAVROPOULOS JAMES & JACQUELINE 15,891.80
43356 00060 6-8
STAVROPOULOS JAMES & JACQUELINE 505.70
43356 00090 9-10
SIMON JOEL R 4,302.94
43360 00010 1-5
CALIFANO UMBERTO 11,418.25
43360 01120
MOLNAR STACY 18,347.03
43368 02140
CAULO JR ANTHONY & DOREEN 3,336.23
43390 00260
ARSTARK KENNETH I & CYNTHIA 5,060.77
43391 00160
LANDA NELLY 9,630.71
54 J0100070
MEDNICK MURRAY & MINERVA 859.68
54 J0300320 CAPORIMO CHARLES & CORI 15,784.80
54013 00520 52-54 LAVELLE GERARD 11,924.36
540600200090
CANDIA VICTOR
54113 00790
54116 01280 BANTA MICHAEL C & NANCY
54116 01300
Public Notices
TERMS
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldier’s and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/ or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), 12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et. seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall beretained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase be of no further effect.
Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax
certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made, in connection with, said bid shall be forfeited. This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:
Town oF hemPSTead Dist 1001
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEWSDAY
UNIONDALE BEACON
Dist 1002
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEWSDAY
UNIONDALE BEACON
Dist 1003
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY
Dist 1004
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY
Dist 1005
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEWSDAY
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
Dist 1006
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
Dist 1007
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Dist 1008
BALDWIN HERALD
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1009
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
FREEPORT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1010
BALDWIN HERALD
BALDWIN/FREEPORT TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1012
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1014
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)
NEWSDAY Dist 1015
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1016
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
FRANKLIN SQUARE BULLETIN
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1017
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 1018
GARDEN CITY NEWS
GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 1019
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKAWAY JOURNAL Dist 1020
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD Dist 1021
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE Dist 1022
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 1023
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN Dist 1024
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1025
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1026
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 1027
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON Dist 1028
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1029
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 1030
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1031
ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1201
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS Continued
Public Notices
Continued from previous page
NEWSDAY Dist 1205
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY
Town of norTh hempsTead Dist 2001
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2002
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2003
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES Dist 2004
MANHASSET PRESS
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NEWSDAY
PORT WASHINGTON NEWS Dist 2005
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NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 2006
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NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
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GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY Dist 2009
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2010
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEWSDAY Dist 2122
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEWSDAY Dist 2301
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 2315
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
Town of oysTer Bay Dist 3001
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3002
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
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NEWSDAY
SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3003
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
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NEWSDAY
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LONG ISLAND PRESS
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NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3006
LONG ISLAND PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
Dist 3008
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN Dist 3009
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
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SYOSSET ADVANCE Dist 3012
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SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3014
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SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3017
HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE
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THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018
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NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
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MASSAPEQUA POST
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THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
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THE NASSAU OBSERVER
CiTy of Glen Cove Dist 4005
GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE
GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
THE NORTH SHORE LEADER
CiTy of lonG BeaCh Dist 5028
LONG BEACH HERALD
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NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEWSDAY
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities.
Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: AuerbachSolutions, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/03/24. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:AuerbachSolutions 117 W Waukena Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150809
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2017-11T1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH ]CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-11T1, Plaintiff against LEON WILLIAMS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 640 Pearl Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. Sec 38 Block 534 Lot 17. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $511,729.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615752/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or
safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Lawrence S. Farbman, Esq., Referee File # 11842218 151110
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 003624/2016 COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff, vs. NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF GLORIA GERACI, 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; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” 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, Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of
hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in braille, large print, audio tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.
Dated: February 05, 2025 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1288767
trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 511 SUNNYBROOK DRIVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572
Section: 54, Block: 498, Lot: 12
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 $450,000.00 and interest, recorded on December 06, 2013, in Liber M 39369 at Page 420, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 511 SUNNYBROOK DRIVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572. 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.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or
go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to 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: December 18th, 2024
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Theresa Regis, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 151268
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CHASE FUNDING MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-3, Plaintiff, AGAINST KIM TUFANO AKA KIM M. TUFANO, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on July 24, 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 February 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 2858 Cherry Court Oceanside, NY 11572. 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 Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 38, Block 402 and Lot 52. Approximate amount of judgment $374,851.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #610176/2018.
John P. Clarke, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40
O’Side student-athletes commit to colleges
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
At the first college signing ceremony of the 2024-25 school year, ten students committed to the colleges where they will continue their education while also playing the sports they love. The students, their coaches, guidance counselors, district administrators and parents gathered to witness the ceremony. Students in Tracy Busk’s broadcast and video classes recorded the event, took still pictures of the ceremony and the athletes with their parents, and later conducted interviews with the athletes.
Leigha Zaman
Zaman is a four-year varsity midfielder for the Oceanside High School Girls Lacrosse team. She is a 2023 All-Conference and 2024 All-County Honorable Mention award recipient. Zaman tallied 37 goals, 7 assists, 19 ground balls, and 40 draw controls. She is one of the top midfielders in Nassau County and will serve as a captain for the 2025 season. Zaman will continue her academic and college career at Marist College.
Declan Costello
Costello is the school record holder in the triple jump with a jump of 42’ 11”. He is also third all-time in the Long Jump. Costello was All-Division this past spring and currently ranks fourth in Nassau County in the Long Jump. An extremely hard worker, he was named Most Improved last winter. Costello will be competing in Track and Field at Springfield College.
Julianna Ewashko
Ewashko is a three-year varsity soccer player and an All-Conference and All-County Honorable Mention keeper. She had 123 saves this year and was pivotal in securing a county championship for the Sailors. Ewashko started every game in her senior season and will continue her playing career as a keeper at Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Savannah Castoro
Castoro is a three-year varsity soccer player and an All-Conference and TwoTime All-County Honorable Mention defender. She started every game the last two years for the Sailors and utilized great skills and confidence to come out of the back and get involved in the attack. Castoro will continue her playing career at Franklin Pierce University.
Daniella Cairo
Cairo is a three-year varsity soccer player who was named a 2023 Newsday Top 100 Long Island Player. She received All-County, All-State, and Co-Defender of the Conference recognition. Cairo scored one goal and had five assists on the season. She will continue her playing career as a defender at the College of the Holy Cross.
Samantha Gemmo
Gemmo is a three-year varsity soccer player and an All-County forward. She was the second leading goal scorer on the team with five goals and also tallied four assists on the season. Her explosive nature coupled with great positioning
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 151246 steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 27th day of February, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of Land with the Buildings and Improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff - againstFREDDY ORMENO, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 22,
Premises known as 78 Concord Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. (Section: 43, Block: 385, Lot: 7)
Approximate amount of lien $1,010,540.33 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 003398/2017. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: December 26, 2024
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all
governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 151233
on the attack helped her find the back of the net. Gemmo is also a three-year varsity midfielder for the Oceanside High School Girls Lacrosse team. A dynamic player both on offense and defense, she will serve as a captain for the 2025 season. Gemmo will continue her soccer and lacrosse playing career at SUNY New Paltz.
James Healy
Healy finished 4th in the Large School Class AAA County Championships this spring in the 3000m Steeplechase. He is fifth Oceanside all-time in the Indoor 3200m run and also fifth alltime in the Distance Medley Relay. Healy was awarded the Most Improved award this past spring and has one of the fastest times run at Eisenhower State Park in Cross Country. He currently ranks fifth in the Large School 3200m Run in Nassau County. Healy will be competing in the Fall at Salisbury University in Cross Country and Track and Field.
Tyler DeCiantis
DeCiantis is a six-time All-County Athlete in Cross Country and Track and Field. He has been All-County in the 1600m Run, 3200m Run, 4x800m Relay, and the Cross Country 5000m Run. DeCiantis has been named All-Long Island in the Distance Medley Relay. A state qualifier for the 5000m run in Cross Country at Bethpage State Park, he holds Oceanside’s 5th fastest time in school history. He and his teammates hold the school records in the Distance Medley Relay and 4xMile Relay. DeCiantis will be competing in Cross Country and Track and Field this Fall at Sacred Heart University.
Christina Vlahakis
Vlahakis will be a five-year varsity softball player this season. She was AllCounty in 2022, All-County and All-State in 2023, and an integral part of the 2024 Nassau County ChampionshipTeam. Vlahakis is a true team player who can play anywhere on the field, and this year will be behind the plate and in the outfield. She will continue her aca-
College bound student-athletes:
Daniella Cairo, College of the Holy Cross, Soccer
Savannah Castoro, Franklin Pierce University, Soccer
Declan Costello, Springfield College, Track and Field
Julianna Ewashko, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Soccer
Tyler DeCiantis, Sacred Heart University, Cross Country, Track and Field
Samantha Gemmo, SUNY New Paltz, Soccer and Lacrosse
Leigha Zaman, Marist College, Lacrosse
James Healy, Salisbury University for Cross Country, Track and Field
Christina Vlahakis, Springfield College, Softball
Riley Moylan, Quinnipiac University, Track and Field
demic and softball career at Springfield College.
Riley Moylan
Moylan is one of the most explosive jumpers on the Island. Her accolades include multiple individual county championships in the vertical jumps. Last year, she won the Long Island Elite Meet, represented Section 8 at the state championships, and led her team to its first County Championship in school history. Moylan holds the school record in both the long jump and triple jump. She will continue her career at Quinnipiac University in the fall.
Courtesy Oceanside School District
OHS student-athletes and their coaches are with Tom Lehman, director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Oceanside High School principal Brendon Mitchell and NCAA coordinator Frank Luisi.
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STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
COMPANION PART-TIME , Flexible Schedule. Few Hours. For Disabled Middle-Aged Man. $16/hr. Long Beach Area 516-474-4556.
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DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER : Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. $20-$30/ Hr. Send resume cbc@catalinabeachclub.com Call 516-239-2150
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
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Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT
Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDI-
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P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills,
Welcome to this stunning renovated home! A grand entry foyer leads to a formal dining room and living room with a gas fireplace, built-ins,
Apartments For Rent
(516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
Do we have beams we don’t need?
Q. We were meeting with our contractor during our home reconstruction, literally tearing the entire house apart and adding a floor. He introduced his “framer,” who was polite but left us with concern. He said the beams going across our house were “overkill.” The beams support a new balcony and high ceilings, so our foyer and living room are two stories tall, very dramatic, and we love what our architect did. We started wondering if we had overpaid for beams that maybe we didn’t need, since the framer said the structure was much more than necessary. Should we ask our architect for an explanation, or just let it go? Construction isn’t cheap, and we understand that, but there is concern about spending more than needed. What do you suggest?
A. Let it go. What you’re experiencing is common and frustrating to hear, because there are so many aspects to designing a building, and I wonder if your framer understands. For example, beams are designed for much more than carrying material loads. Roof beams must carry what we call “dead” loads as well as “live” loads, such as wind and heavy snow.
I have asked framers who have made these statements if they were aware of the several different code-required load capacities a beam is subjected to, to which they either answer, honestly, that they aren’t sure, or make remarks like, “Well, that’s your job,” or “I just know this is overkill.” They just know. And they probably don’t, or they could explain.
Wind impacts buildings in many ways, and is considered a load with multiple effects, requiring calculations, for your safety, to keep the walls and roof from tearing away, or lifting off the house, or crushing down on you in a push-and-pull manner that wind naturally has. Then there are connectors to attach everything. These braces, stirrups and saddles keep structure from pulling apart, but each type comes with engineered calculations.
We often start selecting beams, rafters and joist sizes based on stringent energy codes, which dictate that you must have certain thicknesses of insulation, to prevent heat from escaping quickly or causing your air conditioning to work constantly from heat migrating inward. If you choose the more expensive compact foam insulation, which has greater resistance per inch to heat gain and loss, then we can sometimes reduce the size of some structure. But if you choose less costly fiberglass insulation, which looks like cotton candy, the structure must be deeper, taller, larger — however you can describe it — to accommodate the required insulation thickness.
Larger rafters and joists weigh more, and their angled end cuts require deeper-sized beams to join them. So now you know part of why those beams probably aren’t “overkill,” and why your framer should do a different kind of “home-work” before professing his knowledge. A building is a large jigsaw puzzle of custom parts, and “under-kill” can lead to disaster. Will the framer be there to take responsibility? Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect
Monte
2 doors w/shelf. Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $99. 516-320-1906
END TABLES (2): Mahogany, Good Condition, $30. 516-450-1654
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An inauguration that was decidedly different
Last month I traveled to Washington, joining many Nassau County Republicans, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman and GOP Chairman Joe Cairo, to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 47th president. Beginning with Richard Nixon’s second inaugural in 1972, I had attended 10 previous ones, seven of them during my 28 years in Congress.
This year’s event was certainly memorable, and not just because the tundra-like weather forced the ceremony indoors. From the moment I arrived at the historic Mayflower Hotel, where many of New York’s elected officials and party leaders were staying, I was struck by the extraordinary level of excitement, enthusiasm and hope. This was significantly different from Trump’s first inaugural in 2017, when, though he had many strong supporters, there was an air of uncertainty about whether his administration would hit the ground running. There had been multiple leaks from the Trump camp and a number of his top cabinet officials, like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had no previous
connection to Trump or any political or governmental experience.
This time around, Trump was striding into Washington as a conquering hero who had made the greatest political comeback of any president in history. And he was as prepared for action as any of his predecessors. There was no doubt he would hit the ground running.
The cold and the intense security made getting around Washington more difficult than I remember for any previous inauguration. Cairo and I were in a car for almost two hours, encountering constant roadblocks and rerouting as we tried to get to a Newsmax event at the relatively nearby Andrew Mellon Auditorium, before we gave up and returned to the Mayflower, where New York was staging its Inaugural Party, featuring Elise Stefanik, the upstate congresswoman and the nominee for ambassador to the United Nations.
old friends and prominent officials gathered to reminisce and share the latest news and rumors.
Trump’s inaugural address was truly unique. No president has ever been so direct or detailed, as he laid out the specifics of his agenda and the myriad executive orders he would be issuing on everything from border security to energy production. He was unsparing in his criticism of what he saw as the terrible failings of the Biden administration — all of this as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sat just several feet away.
iwas struck by the extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.
But none of this dampened the spirit of hope and optimism. The Mayflower event, the day before the inauguration, drew an overflow crowd of hundreds, who heard powerful speeches from EPA nominee Lee Zeldin, Congressman Mike Lawler and Blakeman. And there was always action in the hotel lobby, as
Ordinarily I would consider it wrong to disrespect a former president at an inaugural ceremony, but these are not ordinary times. Trump strongly believes that the Biden administration and its allies abused the legal system in attempts to destroy Trump with criminal prosecutions and bankrupt him and his family. Ironically, Trump didn’t know that just moments before his term expired, Biden had pardoned five members of his family.
The main impact of Trump’s address was that he would do all he could to change the direction of the country. The days of woke progressivism were over.
After the ceremonies, the president went to the Capitol One Arena for an
indoor version of the inaugural parade. I was particularly proud that one of the bands taking part was the NYPD Pipes & Drums. By some mistake, the band hadn’t been included in the original lineup, but when its leaders came to me just weeks before the inauguration, I was able to reach out to the Trump team and get it done.
The almost frenetic energy of the inauguration continued in the days that followed, as Trump signed one executive order after another. (While I strongly agreed with most of them, I believe it was wrong to issue blanket pardons to those who carried out violence against police officers and other law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite all the injustice carried out by the Justice Department against Trump, and the department’s failure to prosecute violent rioters on the left, these pardons cannot be defended.)
Trump has promised America a new Golden Age — an age in which American economic, diplomatic and military power will be respected around the world. An America where we will no longer be subject to government censorship and strangling bureaucratic regulations or be defined by race, religion or sexual preference. If he succeeds, it will indeed be an American Golden Age!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting
The beginning of a new year is a chance to clean the slate from 2024 and to look ahead to more positive things. If you have your health, when you aren’t at work, it’s a chance to enjoy taking long walks, squeezing in a vacation and maybe finding a good book to read. But to erase the 2024 board clean, it’s important to get some things off my chest. One of my pet peeves is our national airline system. These days it costs a lot of money to travel almost anywhere in the United States, and we’re often treated like cattle, unless you fly first class. Boarding the plane can be demeaning, and the seats are uncomfortable. For a round-trip costing $800, asking for an extra bag of pretzels shouldn’t be a big deal, but I’ve had a
few turn-downs on flights to Florida. My wife has designated me the family shopper, and I don’t mind the periodic trips to the supermarket. My parents had a grocery store, so I know how to move quickly from aisle to aisle. I’m sure many readers have heard the term “shrinkflation,” which is rampant in supermarkets. Almost every item weighs less and costs more. My favorite boxes of cereal not only weigh half as much, but their contents don’t taste anything like they did when I was a child. Especially Kix and Rice Krispies.
Tgains are anything but.
o get a fresh start in the new year, it’s important to get some things off my chest.
Department store shopping was once an adventure. You could go from floor to floor, and it would take hours to go from the ground floor to the top. The shelves were once stacked with many interesting items, and the quality of the merchandise was pretty good. These days, though, there seem to be many less items for sale, and the so-called bar-
I’ve been a loyal Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. I try to get to at least two or three games a season, but the ticket prices can be staggering. I truly feel bad for a family with young kids who make an annual trip to the ballpark. The hot dogs, pizza and ice cream are costly, and if the kids want a few souvenirs, the outing can costs hundreds of dollars. Baseball owners need the revenues to pay high-priced players, but not everyone can afford to be a talent sponsor.
Going to a movie isn’t what it used to be, either. I recall childhood trips to theaters with my parents that were affordable and frequent. Once upon a time, theatergoers would even get some type of premium for buying a ticket. A movie ticket today can cost over $20, and if you and your companion want popcorn, candy or soda, the price of this night out is pretty high.
There are more things that bug me. I look at Facebook from time to time because it’s nice to see people celebrating happy occasions, but there is no shortage of party-poopers who insist on posting political barbs that are of no interest to most viewers. We’ve just survived a period of intense political bickering, and I’m not anxious to see a Facebook testimonial to a politician who my crazy uncle worships.
I have bad feelings about a lot of people both in and out of the political arena, but we’ll save that for another time. There are things going on right now that I could talk about for hours. I’ve chosen the things that upset all of my friends and neighbors as well, with little or no dissent. I’m sure I skipped over some of your annoyances, but I have a whole year to write about them.
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.
JERRY KREMER
HERALD
GDialing up a possible cellphone plan
ov. Kathy Hochul’s newly unveiled plan to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York state has sparked robust discussion among educators, parents and policymakers.
With the goal of creating distractionfree learning environments, the proposal would direct schools to limit cellphone use throughout the school day while providing practical solutions for communication and storage. The initiative has notable advantages as well as challenges, warranting careful consideration as it moves forward and is considered by the State Legislature.
The primary argument in favor of Hochul’s plan is the undeniable distraction that the phones pose to students. Research consistently shows that smartphones can impede focus, reduce academic performance and foster excessive screen time. By eliminating unsanctioned use of the devices, students would be expected to engage more deeply with their lessons and their peers, improving their classroom experience, their grades and their interpersonal skills.
Hochul’s thinking also aligns with growing concerns about youth mental health. Excessive smartphone use, particularly on social media, has been linked to anxiety, depression and reduced self-esteem among adolescents. The governor’s effort builds on her earlier success in regulating addictive social media feeds for minors, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting the mental well-being of its youth.
The proposal also addresses safety concerns, a priority highlighted by law
letters
Randi shares the joy of books
To the Editor:
enforcement experts. Distracted students are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to be aware of their surroundings during emergencies. A focus on reducing these distractions could enhance student safety.
Allocating $13.5 million for smartphone storage solutions — such as pouches or cubbies — would ensure that schools, regardless of budget constraints, have access to the resources needed to implement the plan.
Despite its merits, however, the proposal raises several concerns. Chief among them is the potential challenge of enforcing the restrictions uniformly across diverse school settings. Administrators and teachers may find it difficult to monitor compliance, especially in larger schools with limited staff.
The plan also risks alienating students and parents who view cellphones as essential tools for communication and personal safety. While the initiative includes provisions for parents to contact their children during the school day, it may not fully address the anxieties of those who rely on immediate connectivity, particularly in emergencies.
Another issue is the reliance on alternative devices, such as school-issued tablets and laptops, for instruction. While these tools are permitted under the plan, they, too, can be distractions if not properly managed. Critics of Hochul’s plan argue that simply replacing smartphones with other internet-enabled devices may not fully eliminate the problem of divided attention in classrooms.
Exemptions outlined in the proposal — such as those for medical needs or individualized education programs —
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time you read a book?”: As she stated, one of the great joys in life is having a wonderful book to read. I never go anywhere without one. I taught English on the junior and high school levels on Long Island for 39 years, and I loved it. I would do it all over again.
The exciting discussions I had with my students triggered by great literature were priceless. I loved teaching “Of Mice and Men”; “The Picture of Dorian Gray”; “Romeo and Juliet”; “The Great Gatsby”; my nominee for the greatest novel of all, “To Kill a Mockingbird”; and many others.
Randi’s statement that in some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they are assigned is scary. What does that bode for our future leaders? And presently we have one in the White House who I’ll bet has never read a complete book, including our Constitution.
I belong to a book club in which we read mostly nonfiction and sports, but I also enjoy mysteries and detective novels. I
highlight the necessity of accommodating diverse student populations. Ensuring that these exemptions are applied fairly and without reinforcing stigmas, however, could add complexity to the plan’s implementation.
A strength of the proposal is its flexibility, allowing schools to design their own storage and implementation strategies. This autonomy acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work across New York’s varied educational landscapes. However, the success of this flexibility hinges on clear guidelines and adequate support from the state to help schools navigate potential challenges.
The plan’s focus on equity, including ensuring that students without internetenabled devices are not disadvantaged, demonstrates an awareness of the broader implications of digital access. This consideration is crucial in preventing unintended disparities.
Hochul’s proposal is a bold step toward addressing the challenges of the digital age in education. While its goals are commendable —enhancing focus, promoting mental health and improving safety — it must carefully navigate the concerns of enforcement, equity and parental confidence.
As the state prepares to roll out the measure by the 2025-26 school year, ongoing collaboration with educators, parents and students will be essential to refine it, and ensure its effectiveness. With a proper balance of structure and flexibility, the initiative has the potential to foster a more focused, healthier and distraction-free learning environment for New York’s students.
Long Island gets shortchanged on transportation funding
over a decade ago, the Long Island Regional Planning Council recognized a critical issue: Long Island’s transportation funding and planning processes were failing to meet the growing demands of our region. In response, we proposed the creation of a dedicated Nassau-Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization. Unfortunately, that never happened. Now, 10 years later, the situation has worsened, and investment in transportation on Long Island continues to be shortchanged.
JoHn D. Cameron
Jr.
Long Island’s share of transportation funding has steadily declined, a trend that has become more alarming over time. Today, the region receives just 6 percent of the money allocated by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which primarily serves the interests of New York City. Long Island is forced to compete for resources with the city, leaving our region underfunded and unable to meet its infrastructure needs. This funding disparity is particularly troubling given Long Island’s economic significance. As New York state’s second-largest economic engine, Long
Island plays a crucial role in its financial health. Each year, Long Island sends nearly $15 billion more in tax payments to Albany than it gets back, and an additional $27 billion to Washington. The state’s tax imbalance with Long Island has doubled over the past decade, worsening an already unsustainable situation. If left unaddressed, it threatens Long Island’s economy and its ability to sustain residents’ high quality of life.
and crucial projects remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization.
The consequences of this inequity are visible in our daily lives. Congested highways, deteriorating bridges and inadequate public transportation aren’t just inconvenient; they hinder economic growth, erode quality of life and compromise public safety. Crucial projects aimed at addressing these issues — from modernizing the Long Island Rail Road to alleviating notorious traffic bottlenecks — remain sidelined due to a lack of funding and prioritization. The current system is failing, and the need for change has never been more urgent.
One of the most effective ways to address this problem is by establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO, which would allow Long Island to apply directly for federal transportation funds. It would bypass the bureaucratic delays at the state level, ensuring that funding is allocated
Letters
am currently reading “All the Sinners Bleed,” by S.A. Cosby. A sheriff in Charon County, Virginia, with a very unpleasant case. Cosby is a terrific writer. Thanks to Randi for her other suggestions. I hope she has fun teaching the class.
JIM HAWkINS Baldwin
Randi’s given me some catching up to do
To the Editor:
I’ve been reading Randi’s columns in the Herald for years, and enjoying her take on everything, as well as her style. I am 81. Been reading since I was a single digit. My first novel was “Black Beauty,” by Anna Sewell, which I read when I was about 7.
I’ve read 135 books in each of the past two years, and I’m going to look into all the books in Randi’s curriculum, because I find I’ve read maybe one, “Of Mice and Men,” when I was way younger. Lol. No matter what, I’m going to tackle her list. I hope they don’t have to be read in that order, because I’ve chosen “The Wren, the Wren” to be my first.
RINA COHEN East Meadow
to projects that best meet our region’s needs. Smaller areas, such as Ithaca, have had their own MPOs for years and have benefited significantly from direct access to funding. Long Island, with a population of nearly 3 million and an economy that rivals that of many states, deserves to be treated with the same attention and respect.
The need for a NassauSuffolk MPO extends beyond simply fixing roads and bridges. It’s about taking control of our region’s future and ensuring that its transportation infrastructure supports longterm economic growth and innovation. In today’s global economy, transportation is the backbone of a thriving region. Without a dedicated MPO, Long Island’s potential for growth is stifled, and the region risks falling further behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Long Island Regional Planning Council first raised this issue because we understood the long-term consequences of continued disinvestment. Over the past decade, those consequences have become painfully clear. Our transportation infrastructure is deteriorating, and other critical areas of need, such as affordable housing and the modernization of water systems, roads, bridges and power grids, remain neglected. These issues require both
state and federal support, and Long Island’s fair share of transportation funding is a critical first step in addressing them.
Thankfully, there is hope for change. Thanks to the leadership of State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern, legislation has been introduced to establish a Nassau-Suffolk MPO. This is a significant step toward securing that transportation funding. It would give our region the ability to prioritize projects that are critical to our local economy and residents, ensuring that Long Island’s transportation needs are no longer overshadowed by the priorities of New York City or other areas of the state.
The establishment of a Nassau-Suffolk MPO wouldn’t be just a policy change — it would be a commitment to the future of our region. Long Island deserves safe roads, efficient public transit and infrastructure that supports economic growth and opportunity. We have waited long enough. The time for action is now.
Long Island has the potential to be a leading force in the state’s economy, but that potential cannot be realized without the right infrastructure. Establishing a Nassau-Suffolk MPO is a critical step in ensuring that Long Island receives the resources it needs to thrive. It’s time for our region to earn its fair share.
John D. Cameron Jr. is chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council.
Clavin’s ‘poorly handled,’ double-digit tax increase
To the Editor:
Town Supervisor Don Clavin’s proposed 12.1 percent property tax increase for 2025 represents a glaring failure of financial management. This steep hike places an unreasonable and unnecessary burden on the residents of the Town of Hempstead.
Such a dramatic increase reflects Clavin’s inability to implement sound, long-term financial planning. A more responsible approach would have been to distribute any necessary increases gradually over several years, avoiding the current financial strain on our community.
What is even more troubling than the tax hike itself is the lack of proper notice for town residents. Clavin’s administration failed to adequately inform citizens through mail, email or social media about this significant change. Ironically, the same administration had no issue filling our mailboxes with partisan mailers on other topics. This lack of transparency and accountability is both surprising and unacceptable.
It’s true that, given the inflationary pressures of recent years, modest tax increases may be necessary to cover ris-
ing costs essential for maintaining services like trash collection, recycling, parks and water management. These are critical responsibilities of our town board. However, many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. To impose a sudden, substantial tax hike without sufficient notice is a disservice to the very people the town government is meant to serve.
Clavin owes the residents of the Town of Hempstead not only a detailed explanation, but also a sincere apology for this poorly handled tax increase. Transparency and thoughtful planning should be the standard — not afterthoughts.
Framework by Diane Revinskas
At the Knossos Palace — Crete, Greece
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