HERALD Oceanside/island park
Snow outside, syrup inside
Before last Sunday’s Super Bowl, Oceanside residents gathered for a pregame meal at the Kiwanis Club’s annual Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast. From far left above, Kiwanis President Eric Abbey, Oceanside school board President Michael D’Ambrosio, County Legislator Patrick Mullaney and County Executive Bruce Blakeman flipped some flapjacks for a good cause. From near right, Charlotte Hughs and Charlotte Metzger had some football fun at the breakfast. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Heart health is center stage at Mount Sinai
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Mount Sinai South Nassau celebrated “Go Red for Women Day” on Feb. 7, when heart disease survivor Anita Rothenberg joined hospital staff members and visitors to promote heart health and prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., hospital officials said.
The annual event featured a compelling personal story from Rothenberg, 70, of Valley Stream, and expert insights from Dr. Pilar StevensHaynes, a cardiologist with Mount Sinai Heart.
A survivor’s story
Rothenberg’s battle with heart disease began unexpectedly in 1993 at age 37, despite leading an active lifestyle as a nursery school teacher and mother of two young sons.
“I wasn’t feeling good for a while, but as we all know as
women, we put everything before ourselves,” Rothenberg said.
She described experiencing persistent fatigue and low energy levels but never suspected a heart attack due to the common misconception that pre-menopausal women are less susceptible. Her wake-up call came when she felt extremely ill one day and decided to visit the ER at South Nassau.
“I had to drive them (the boys) to school,” she recalled. “My energy level was not the same, but I never would have thought about a heart attack because it used to be said that prior to menopause, women didn’t get heart attacks. But one day, I just didn’t feel well. I told my husband, and we came into the ER at South Nassau. I was having a heart attack.”
Rothenberg became a longterm patient of a cardiologist affiliated with the hospital, diligently managing her health with medication, diet and exercise for more than three
Continued on page 4
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Decades of fun at Twin Oaks Day Camp
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
For half a century, Twin Oaks Day Camp has been a summer haven for generations of campers, who have created memories and friendships that last a lifetime. As the camp marks its 50th anniversary this summer, its leaders are reflecting on what makes Twin Oaks a special place, that keeps families coming back year after year.
Twin Oaks has been family owned and operated since 1975, although its history stretches back even further. Hal Elman was a head counselor at the camp prior to 1975, and when the former owners were looking to sell the property, Elman and his college friend, Bernie Hoffman, along with their wives Barbara Elman and Beverly Hoffman, decided to purchase it.
Since then, the camp has flourished into what it is today — a place where every camper and their family member feel like they’re part of an even bigger “family.” The camp is based in Freeport, but serves many communities, including Merrick, Bellmore, East Meadow, Wantagh, Baldwin, Rockville Centre, Oceanside and beyond.
Twin Oaks is now run by Jenni Elman-Davis, Hal and Barbara’s daughter, alongside assistant directors Carin Stone and Michele Colella, who have both worked at the camp for over 25 years.
The camp is split into four divisions, with its youngest members taking part in the Barney Program for children between the ages of 20-months and 30-months-old. Each camper is paired with a one-on-one
supervisor, and they get to take part in a half-day program, filled with fun, adventure and socialization.
The Lower Camp is for three and four year-olds and the Upper Camp is for children in kindergarten through third-grade. There are full day and mini day programs available. The camp’s activity directors create an engaging and diversified experience for all campers, and each child has an opportunity to participate in sports, art-and-crafts, swimming and more.
Its Gemini Program is for Twin Oaks’ oldest campers, for students entering into fourth-grade through ninth-grade. Instead of attending the day camp, children in the program travel every single day to a new location all over Long Island and New York City. From baseball games to amusement parks, and everything in between, the Gemini Program is Twin Oaks’ most non-traditional camp experience.
Camp season this year begins on June 30 and ends on Aug. 22. Enrollment is currently open for all programs.
“We’re not the biggest or the fanciest,” Elman-Davis told the Herald, “but we have the most heart. We do a lot of fun, innovative programming. Our travel program for our teens is one of the best travel programs around.”
During each week of camp, there’s a special “theme” that children can take part in — whether its simply dressing up in red, white and blue for Independence Day celebrations, or a special activity day like relay races, a DJ Dance Party or Halloween in August,
the camp’s calendar is both fun and engaging.
Something that makes Twin Oaks so special, Elman-Davis said, is its multigenerational members. Many campers from the 70s and 80s now have children of their own, she said, who are either campers or enrolled in Twin Oaks’ Day School as students, which opened in 1975. The students range from toddlers to pre-K.
“We have a very good relationship with the local elementary schools,” Elman Davis said. “A lot of local elementary school teachers send their children to us because they feel that their students come to public school very well prepared.”
“Papa Hal” — Hal Elman — died last year, but Elman-Davis said her mom still checks in each day — even though she lives in Florida. Her mom still runs into people constantly, who simply remember her as “Barbara from Twin Oaks.”
Stone said the environment at Twin Oaks is incredible, and that there’s nothing Elman-Davis wouldn’t do for members of her staff or the families they serve.
“She is kind and loving and understanding,” Stone said. “She loves the children here, but she loves her staff too.”
Colella called Twin Oaks “Family, Fun and Flexible” — meaning that the directors really try to accommodate every family and their schedules in order to meet their needs.
“We’re a place that smiles,” ElmanDavis said. “The minute you walk through our gate, how could you not smile? You’re greeted by happiness. To
For 50 years, campers have fallen in love with the atmosphere at Twin Oaks Day Camp, founded in 1975 with Hal and Barbara Elman and Bernie and Beverly Hoffman. A family-based camp, generations of families have attended camp at Twin Oaks.
get to see the world through the eyes of a child every day is the greatest gift that anyone could receive.”
Twin Oaks is located at 458 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport. For more information on the camp and the school, including enrollment, visit TwinOaksDayCamp.com, or call (516) 623-4550.
Courtesy Twin Oaks
The day camp serves children as young as 20-months old, in a variety of different programs. From sports to arts-and-crafts, there something for everyone.
Experts share insights on women’s cardiac care
decades.
“It was scary,” Rothenberg’s husband, Robert, said. “I was young myself with kids, and I just I didn’t know what to do — how to handle the kids, how to take care of my life. It was an emotional roller coaster, and it was just so frightening.”
In 2022, Rothenberg faced another frightening health episode when she passed out due to a lack of oxygen to her heart. This led to the discovery of three major blocked arteries that required triple bypass surgery at Mount Sinai Heart in Manhattan.
“I cannot say enough about the institution here — the doctors, the nursing
staff, everything that I went through,” Rothenberg expressed.
She was seen by Dr. Athanasios Smyrlis, a board certified cardiologist who specializes in invasive cardiology. He diagnosed Rothenberg with ischemia—a condition that deprives the heart of adequate blood flow caused by a blocked coronary artery—and performed an angiogram, which revealed three blocked arteries.
Rothenberg emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention even for subtle symptoms, noting that her experience lacked the classic crushing chest pain often associated with heart attacks.
“I just didn’t feel right,” Rothenberg
The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)
For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.
The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.
Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend –like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.
When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five years
after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Proposed new rules, often delayed but constantly looming, would also require you to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.
The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.
The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.
Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.
PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com
& Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com
said. “So I’m telling my women friends in their 30s, 40s, and 50s — do what you have to do, don’t question yourself.”
A few days later, Rothenberg was at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan for triple bypass surgery performed by cardiovascular surgeon Robin Varghese, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
“I feel like I am grateful because I have a success story, and I want other people to learn from it,” Rothenberg added.
Recognizing symptoms
Dr. Stevens-Haynes addressed the common misconceptions surrounding heart disease symptoms in women.
“The biggest thing that we get in women is usually indigestion or fatigue, and so you’re not really thinking it’s cardiac,” she explained.
The cardiologist highlighted that both men and women can experience atypical symptoms, and the dramatic portrayals of heart attacks on TV often mislead people into underestimating their risk.
Early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes, as the heart muscle’s health is directly affected by how quickly treatment is administered. Stevens-Haynes also discussed the increasing prevalence of heart disease in younger populations, attributing it to lifestyle factors and dietary habits.
“We’re seeing younger and younger people present with heart disease,” she said. “It’s no longer a disease of people in
their 70s or 80s.”
Preventive
measures and community Engagement
Stevens-Haynes stressed the importance of knowing personal and family health history, understanding risk factors, and staying informed about one’s health metrics.
“Know your numbers,” she advised, encouraging regular check-ups and awareness of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
”Our screening tools are so much better,” she said. “Now there are so many advances in imaging. You can really take a look directly at someone’s coronary arteries and see if they have plaque deposits and what’s going on and how best to advise them.”
Mount Sinai’s commitment to women’s cardiac care was also highlighted, with specialized programs focusing on heart health from pre-conception through postpregnancy, particularly targeting highrisk groups such as minority women.
“While one in every 31 American women dies from breast cancer, one in every three dies of heart disease,” Dana Sanneman, the hospital’s vice president of public affairs, said. “Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease.”
The event is part of a series planned throughout February, with upcoming blood pressure screening events at local libraries. Community members can follow the hospital’s Facebook page for more information and participate in initiatives.
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Kepherd Daniel/Herald
listened to Anita Rothenberg recount her personal journey
MIKE KONDYRA
MacArthur Senior Basketball
A THREE-YEAR STARTER looking for his first AllCounty selection, Kondyra reached a milestone Jan. 27 in MacArthur’s 79-72 defeat to Long Beach. As part of a 42-point performance, he recorded her 1,000th career point. He hit seven three-pointers in what was his third 40-plus point game of the season. The AllConference honoree in 2023-24 iis averaging 25 points per game this winter to rank among Nassau County’s top five scorers.
GIRLS WRESTLING
NASSAU COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Tyasia Buxton, V.S. Central, 94 pounds
Harley Eidens, Long Beach, 100
Presley Eidens, Long Beach, 107
Gabrielle Severin, Bethpage, 114
Haley Gonzales, Hicksville, 120
Olivia Rausenberger, MacArthur, 126
Taylor Brock, Kennedy, 132
Jessica Marzano, Bethpage, 138
Gabriella Schechtman, Kennedy, 145
Keishara Tulloch, Uniondale, 152
Isabella Steffa, Seaford, 165
Eyslin Turcios, V.S. North, 185
Naomi Gonzalez, V.S. North, 235
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.
Girls wrestling takes center stage
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
History was made Feb. 2 when Nassau County hosted its first-ever girls’ wrestling tournament at Bethpage High School with more than 100 entrants from over 20 districts.
Champions were crowned in 13 weight classes, ranging from 94 to 235 pounds, before a jam-packed crowd. Uniondale had the largest contingency with 22 participants as coach Tim Godoy said interest exploded after fall sports concluded.
“It’s been a really fun season and this tournament is great to see,” Godoy said. “I recruited some kids I coach in soccer and badminton and it just kind of took off from there. Last year we had two girls wrestling. By the end of the first week of practice this November, we had 30.”
Bethpage coach Sean Severin coordinated the one-day tournament and was thrilled to see everything run smooth. His daughter, Bethpage junior Gabrielle, captured the
Kennedy senior Gabriella Schechtman, who competed for MacArthur’s team, won the title at 145 pounds.
114-pound title which made a historic day that much more special.
“I was super happy with how good the event turned out,” Sean Severin said. “It drew a really big crowd and the girls brought the energy. It’s going to be a great stepping stone for the growth of the sport in Nassau County.”
Long Beach, which for more than four decades has fielded one of the premier wrestling programs in the county, has four girls competing this season including eighth-grade twins Presley and Harley Eidens. All four made the finals with the Eidens’ both winning championships.
“This is unbelievable opportunity for all the female wrestlers in Nassau,” said Long Beach coach Ray Adams, whose daughter, Reese, competes for Calhoun but missed her junior season with a knee injury that required surgery. “Our youth program, the Gladiators, started a girls program a few years ago and it keeps growing,” he said.
Adams credited 2020 graduate Lina Diamond with being the trailblazer for the budding Long Beach girls program. Presley Eidens, who also plays lacrosse and volleyball, said she started wrestling about two-and-ahalf years ago and grapples with her sister every day in practice. Freshmen Arianna Balsamo (152) and Sofia Calle (165) are also workout partners. “They’ve all improved every match,” Adams noted.
Valley Stream Central junior Tyasia Buxton said she joined wrestling to bring additional discipline into her
life. She just took up the until four months ago but has come a long way in a short time, coach Chris Carbajal said. Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.
“Really proud of her,” Carbajal said. “She made a commitment and stuck to it all season.”
Buxton credits a good deal of her success to scraping against boys almost exclusively this season. “I’ve taken my losses, but I learned a lot and I’m better for it,” she said. “It feels great to win. I gave it my all and didn’t give up.”
Lynbrook junior Dani Zhanay is one of the county’s most-experienced wrestlers. She’s been competing for eight years, coach Rich Renz said, after starting with the Titans youth league. “She loves competing and has a lot of skill,” Renz explained.
Uniondale sophomore Brianna Marquez is one of a
handful of soccer players who decided to give wrestling a try at the urging of Godoy. She was runner-up to Presley Eidens at 107. The Knights crowned one champion — sophomore Keishara Tulloch at 152.
“All the girls are amazing and the wrestling community has been really supportive,” Marquez said. “We all push each other harder every day. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing to do.” Valley Stream North crowned a pair of champs with juniors Eyslin Turcios winning at 185 and Naomi Gonzaez emerging victorious at 235. Kennedy saw senior Gabriella Schechtman win at 145 and eighth-grader Taylor Brock finish first at 132. All 13 county champs along with six second-place finishers advance to the girls state tournament Feb. 27 in Albany.
Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Valley Stream Central’s Tyasia Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.
HERALD SPORTS
Oceanside thrives in track championships
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
The Oceanside winter track and field teams used the same formula to maintain their success at the Nassau Class A County Championships.
Senior Matthew Laudicina broke the school record in winning the 1,000meter final and was third in the 1,600meter event as the boys collected 48 of their 59 points in the running finals to finish second for the second straight year, and junior Alexa Kosakowski won the 55-meter hurdle race and was third in the high jump as the girls finished four spots better than last year’s event to third with 60 points at St. Anthony’s High School in Melville Feb. 4.
Laudicina’s time of 2 minutes, 35.35 seconds in the 1,000 eclipsed the previous mark as he edged Riley Funk of Schreiber High School by .56 seconds.
“He got out into second or third place and he kept his patience for about 3-3½ laps and then he just made a move and stuck with it,” Sailors boys’ coach Mike Kelly said. “It was
really a back and forth between him and Funk and he outkicked him the last 50 meters or so.”
Senior Tyler DeCiantis finished just ahead of Laudicina in the 1,600 and both boys were members of the 4x800 relay team that finished third along with seniors Tristan Cuevas and Cole Rinn. Senior Brandon Fustanio just missed winning the 300-meter dash by .63 seconds to go with his fifth place showing in the 55-meter dash.
“Going into the meet, I always know a little breakdown of how I think the meet is going to end up,” Kelly said.
“We exceeded the expectations where I thought we would finish, so I’m pretty happy with the performance all the kids gave.”
Rinn finished third in the 600-meter finale with a personal record time of 1:25.51, which is also the second quickest in school history. Harris Brodsky had a runner-up finish in the pole vault and fellow senior Liam Murray contributed points in the shot put (fifth) and weight throw (sixth).
Kosakowski posted a time of 9.19 seconds in the hurdles and cleared five
feet in the high jump to help the Sailor females record 40 points in the field events.
“We’re so proud of her reaching her potential and putting in all the hard work to get there, and also balancing between that the high jump also,” girls coach Mike Howley said. “She was determined and focused to do well.”
Senior Riley Moylan finished second in the triple jump for the second straight and was third in the triple jump. The Sailors had three girls finish in the top five in the shot put, with senior Brianna Cinamon (33-03.25) and junior Erin Murray (32-10.75) placing 2-3 ahead of fifth-place senior Makayla Alexander (32.06.25).
Samantha Friedman placed third in the 55-meter dash and her time of 7.59 seconds was just .04 shy of second. Fellow senior Juliana Targowski was fifth in the long and triple jumps, and she teamed up with Friedman, Moylan, and sophomore Kaitlin Healy to finish fourth in the 4X200 relay.
Competitors who finish in the top three in their respective events earn All-County status.
Derrick Dingle/Herald
Senior Cole Rinn placed third in the 600meter run and was part of the Sailors’ thirdplace 4x800 relay at the Nassau Class A championships.
Nobody covers YOUR HOME TOWN
Town of Hempstead Board members made no final decision at the Feb. 4 meeting in regards to rezoning for a proposed townhome development at the Brower Avenue and Oceanside Road site of the Oceanside Jewish Center.
Town tables decision on Jewish Center rezoning
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Town of Hempstead Board reserved decision at the Feb. 4 board meeting in regards to the proposed rezoning of the Oceanside Jewish Center on 2860 Brower Avenue.
The application, submitted by Fieldstone at Oceanside LLC, seeks to rezone the property from a Residence B District to a CA Residence District to allow for the construction of 59 condominium townhouses allowing for the development. The site, which includes the Jewish center and two single-family homes, is currently exempt from taxes because of its religious use.
The hearing was a continuation from Jan. 7, which drew significant attention from residents concerned about the potential impact of the development on traffic, infrastructure, and community character.
“I do stand with the people in voting against this project,” said Oceanside resident Frank Wassenbergh. “There are just too many houses that are going to be going into this property to help in any way, shape or form for people. The peoples whose homes have been driven on by cars, the side streets into here are already raceways for people.”
Many residents expressed frustration and opposition to the proposed rezoning, citing long-standing issues with traffic congestion, insufficient infrastructure, and fears of overdevelopment in a community still recovering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy.
“Oceanside is starting to look more and more like Queens and Brooklyn,” said Regina Pasqualino, who has lived in Oceanside for most of her 66 years, and described the development as a threat to the town’s character and safety.
“There’s no land anymore to absorb water, and constant building is making flooding worse.”
Residents also responded to the board with alternatives for the space.
Pasqualino suggested converting the parcel into a park to provide children with a safe outdoor space, rather than adding more housing. Proponents argue that the project would address housing shortages for younger families and downsizing seniors while transitioning the tax-exempt property into a significant source of tax revenue.
“Fifty-nine units is way too many,” said Oceanside resident and architect Tim Lambert. “Brower Avenue is already a terrible street—narrow, with no curbs, and cars parked on sidewalks. The traffic will be horrendous.”
Lambert proposed an alternative solution: dividing the land into 20 detached, single-family homes, which he believes would still be profitable without overwhelming local infrastructure. Other residents echoed Lambert’s concerns. While many spoke out in opposition, some residents expressed cautious support.
“This is the best plan we’ve seen,” said Oceanside resident Martha Salzburg, noting that the original proposal included 72 units, which has since been reduced to 59. Additionally, the development was changed from rental units to condo townhouses that will contribute to local property taxes. “Although everyone would prefer single-family homes, no developers are offering to build them,” she said. “Whether or not this development adds traffic, there’s already a traffic problem. The high school is less than a quarter mile away down Brower. The only thing that will truly help the traffic situation would be more busses to the high school and possibly to the kindergarten center.”
As of now, the rezoning proposal remains under consideration, with further discussions and potential amendments expected in future meetings. For updates on Town Board meetings and decisions regarding this rezoning proposal, residents can visit the Town of Hempstead’s official website or contact their local representatives directly.
A successful Super Bowl pancake breakfast
The Kiwanis Club of Oceanside served up more than just pancakes at their annual Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.
Held at St. Anthony’s Cafeteria, the event drew hundreds of community members despite snowy morning conditions and residents were eager to enjoy a hearty breakfast, win raffle prizes, and support a great cause.
The breakfast raised funds to benefit various children’s programs, with a special focus on sending local kids to Kamp Kiwanis. .
Among the attendees were Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town Councilwoman Laura
Ryder, State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Nassau County Legislator Patrick Mullaney who all stopped by to recognize the Kiwanis volunteers for their dedication and hard work.
The event highlighted Oceanside’s strong community spirit, with families, friends, and local leaders gathering to make a positive impact. Proceeds from the event will help fund Oceanside Kiwanis’ year-round community service projects, making a lasting difference in the lives of local families.
–Kepherd Daniel
Oceanside families had a delicious pancake breakfast. From
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Oceanside Kiwanis Club members got their game faces on in the kitchen as they prepared for the annual pancake breakfast.
Nassau County Legislator Patrick Mullaney got together with multiple members of the Oceanside Kiwanis Club including Brian Driscoll,far left, Joseph Ponte and Seth Blau.
left was Richard, Michelle and Savanah Olsen with Dan, Becky and Pammy Sebber.
Oceanside Kiwanis Club has many helpful hands handing out some delicious breakfast treats and juices. From left was Gianna Conte, Gioia Fischetti, Ellis Chasan, Sasha Loeb, Brianne Schoell.
Legislators sue over county’s ‘illegal militia’
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Nassau County Democratic legislators and civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit against the county last week, branding County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of special sheriff’s deputies an “illegal militia.”
“Bruce Blakeman’s militia is not about public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of Nassau County residents,” Legislator Seth Koslow, ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said. “There is no justification for creating an unaccountable and illegal force that answers only to the county executive.”
Legislator Scott Davis criticized the measure as unnecessary, citing Nassau’s ranking as one of the safest counties in the country, and called for an increase in properly trained law enforcement officers as an alternative to the volunteer deputy program. The county currently employs over 2,500 officers who have undergone rigorous training.
In the event that the county’s existing law enforcement and crisis volunteers are insufficient, the county has the ability to call for assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties.
The lawsuit alleges that the county’s application process for the program requires minimal qualifications, including ownership of a pistol license and no
Democratic Nassau County legislators filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court last week against the county and County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of a special sheriff’s deputy program. Legislators Carrié Solages, far left, Scott Davis, Seth Koslow, Debra Mulé, Arnold Drucker and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton gathered to announce the suit on Feb. 5.
“misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.” For each day of activation during an emergency, a volunteer would receive a stipend of $150, which exceeds the hourly rate of pay limit that deputies may receive without legislative approval.
The lawsuit cites a Newsday investigation that found that 25 people had enlisted in the program as of last Sep-
tember, six of whom were not able to be found through background checks. The plaintiffs allege that the county’s program appears to require significantly less training than its regular police training.
Carey Dunne, an attorney from the Free and Fair Litigation Group, argued that this poses a risk to the general public.
“County Executive Blakeman’s mili-
tia endangers public safety in Nassau County and the health of our democracy nationwide,” Dunne said. “Our lawsuit alleges an authoritarian power grab in the heart of suburban America. We cannot let the abuse of executive power go unanswered.”
Legislator Debra Mulé alleged that special sheriff’s deputies are an illegal group that should not be funded with taxpayer money, and that the county executive should be compelled to comply with public record laws.
“We filed formal Freedom of Information Law requests to get answers, and Blakeman ignored them,” Mulé said. “Even the county budget hides how much money is being funneled into this program. If this militia is such a great idea, why is he hiding it from the public?”
Blakeman is the first defendant in the case, alongside Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. Blakeman was adamant in his opposition to the lawsuit and his support of the volunteer unit.
“Debra Mulé and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” Blakeman said in a statement. “The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service.”
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Meet the new School Principal in Island Park
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Island Park School District is proud to announce the appointment of Shannon Malagreca as the new principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. With a wealth of experience in school administration and elementary education, Malagreca brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to fostering academic growth and student well-being.
A Wealth of Experience in Education
Malagreca holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, a master’s degree in school building leadership from the College of New Rochelle, and a master’s degree in children’s literature from Queens College. Her academic background, coupled with her professional experience, ensures that she is well-equipped to guide Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School to new heights.
Malagreca’s educational journey has taken her from classroom teacher to literacy consultant to school administrator. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal of PS 457 in the Bronx, where she also stepped into the role of acting principal. During her tenure, she was instrumental in increasing student attendance by restoring positive student-
faculty relationships. She also played a key role in supervising and evaluating teaching staff, helping educators become more reflective in their practices.
Her background also includes working as a literary consultant for Generation Ready, an educational consulting firm, where she supported school principals in effective leadership practices and helped identify school strengths and areas for growth. Prior to that, she served as an elementary teacher in both Long Island and New York City classrooms.
Committed to Academic Growth and Well-Being
In addition to her roles in teaching and administration, Malagreca has been a professional development instructor for SCOPE Educational Services since 2010. She has taught a range of courses, including Balanced Literacy in the K-6 Classroom, Morning Meeting, and The Power of Children’s Literature. Her extensive background in both classroom instruction and educator training positions her uniquely to lead Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School into a new era of growth and success.
“Education has always been my passion, and my journey—from teacher to literacy consultant to school administrator and now principal—has been shaped by a deep commitment to student suc-
cess,” Malagreca shared. “My experience in the Bronx taught me the power of resilience, innovation, and strong relationships, and I bring that same dedication to Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. My top priorities are fostering a culture of collaboration, strengthening student-faculty connections, and expanding initiatives that support academic growth and social-emotional well-being. I am thrilled to join the Island Park community and look forward to working alongside our incredible teachers, families, and students to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.”
A Strong Connection to the Community Malagreca has already begun integrating herself into the Island Park community. She met with families and students prior to her official start date, engaging in conversations during a meet and greet event at the January 13 board of education meeting. This early outreach highlights her commitment to building strong relationships with parents and community members.
“Above all, I hope to leave a lasting impact by empowering every student to thrive and ensuring that our school is a place where they feel valued, inspired, and ready to achieve their dreams,” Malagreca said. “I also plan to prioritize professional development for staff to ensure our teachers are prepared to sup-
port students in the modern world.” Malagreca officially began her role on Feb. 3, and the Island Park School District looks forward to the positive impact she will make in the years to come.
Courtesy Island Park Public Schools
After finishing her first week on the job, Shannon Malagreca is ready to lead Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School.
Hundreds Attend The R.E.A.L. Awards
Event celebrates professionals driving growth and community development
By Angelina Zingariello
RichnerLIVE hosted its fourth annual R.E.A.L. Awards on Jan. 29, honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries shaping Long Island’s real estate industry.
This event, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, recognized individuals who have excelled in their fields and dedicated themselves to community advocacy and development.
“We strive to spotlight these developments and the people and organizations behind them week in and week out,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc., said. “Your work is vital for our shared growth and prosperity.”
The ceremony emphasized the deep connection between real estate and local communities, highlighting how industry leaders contribute to the region’s growth and well-being. The event celebrated the accomplishments of professionals whose efforts go beyond building structures; they lay the foundation for thriving neighborhoods and economic prosperity.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees mingled and connected with friends and colleagues. The networking session set the tone for the night, allowing industry leaders to celebrate their shared achievements and contributions to the local real estate landscape.
“It’s always an honor to be honored,” said Sheldon Shrenkel, CEO and executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, said. “We appreciate the recognition, and to be together with all these other wonderful people in similar professions.”
After dinner, the awards ceremony was hosted by five-time Emmy Awardwinning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne. The honorees were recognized for their achievements, and came to the stage to accept their awards.
“It is always an honor to be celebrated multiple times by fellow architects and industry organizations,” Willy Zambrano, founder and design principal at Zambrano Architecutal Design, said. “However, recognition from another professional field is truly invaluable, particularly when it comes from a local news outlet. I’m elated to receive the Architectural Design Excellence award from this event.”
Keynote speaker Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, addressed the growing challenges in Long Island’s real estate market, emphasizing how rising construction costs, insurance premiums and restrictive zoning regulations are making homeownership increasingly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Florio highlighted the region’s desirability, and the need for collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers and local businesses to create sustainable, mixed-use communities that accommodate evolving demographic needs while ensuring
economic stability.
“To achieve these goals, we must take this conversation beyond a solution,” Florio said. “Everyone inside understands the challenges we face, but we need to reach a broader audience. Too often, the highest voices in the room are the small but local minority that is resistant to change.”
The annual Herald R.E.A.L. Awards served as a reminder of the vital role real estate professionals play in shaping Long Island’s future, not only through development but also through advocacy and community engagement. The evening brought together industry leaders to celebrate their achievements, foster connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A portion of the proceeds from the
evening benefited General Needs Ltd., a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting homeless veterans. Founded in May 2015, General Needs provides essential services to veterans in emergency shelters in Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island. The organization operates entirely through community support, ensuring that all donations directly assist those in need. For a full list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/realestate.
Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators Service Inc. and author, “Nobody Move!” with Stuart Richner
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Honoree Nicholas Ceccarini with friends and family of Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
Hundreds cheer on our 2025 honorees
Keynote Speaker Mike Florio, Long Island Builders Institute
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Honoree Kevin D. Boone, Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau
Honoree Christina Volz and Nancy Cuite, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Honoree Sheldon L. Shrenkel, Nassau County IDA
Father/son honorees Kenneth and Stanley Schuckman, Schuckman Realty
Honoree Brendan D’Loren of Terwilliger & Bartone and Stuart Richner
Cocktail hour filled with 2025 honorees and their guests ahead of the ceremony
Honoree Tiffany Balanoff, Douglass Elliman
Honorees Vito Giannola, Provident Bank and Dee Dee Brix, Compass
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Honoree Willy L. Zambrano, Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC
Honoree Joseph Farkas, Metropolitan Realty Associates, LLC
20 Kids Camp and School
Kids Camp and School is an in-depth guide on summer camps, after-school programs, and educational institutions, ensuring families have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.
Movers and Shakers
This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.
Higher education is more than just earning a degree— it’s a gateway to personal growth, career success, and community development. This special supplement explores the transformative impact of colleges and universities on individuals and society, highlighting the latest trends, opportunities, and resources available to students and lifelong learners.
By Danielle Schwab
GOUT
Dinosaurs and epic roars
et ready to embark on Jurassic Quest, one of the largest immersive dinosaur experiences in North America. The traveling prehistoric adventure, which combining archaeology with the latest tech, returns to Nassau Coliseum with its herd this weekend, Feb. 15-17.
Journey back 165 million years — to a time when mighty dinos ruled the Earth. The arena transforms into the TriassicJurassic and Cretaceous periods with life-like dinosaurs to observe and interact with during, that’s sure to spark the imagination.
“We bring dinosaurs to people in a way that’s fun, interactive and educational that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Jurassic Quest dinosaur expert Sarah Menard, better known as “Safari Sarah,” one of the expert “dino trainers.”
“You can go to a museum to see dinosaurs, but you’re only going to see fossils. You’re going to see educational things, but it’s not going to be as interactive or fun as maybe bouncing on a giant dinosaur inflatable would be,” she says.
There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the excitement. Hop on rideable dinosaurs, engage in hands-on science and art activities, enjoy thrilling dinosaur shows, observe real-life artifacts — and that’s only the start.
All of this — enhanced by carefully chosen vegetation, immersive sound effects, dynamic lighting, and interactive electronics — will make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another time.
“One of my favorite things to see is whenever kids walk in their jaws drop, and then their parents walk in right after them and they do the same exact thing,” Safari Sarah adds.
Expect to see all your favorite dinos and meet new ones, including the formidable Triceratops, towering longnecks, fierce raptors, and of course, the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex — standing proud at 20 feet tall as the ultimate apex predator.
Dig into the mysteries of our favorite prehistoric pals
• Feb. 15-16 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Tickets start at $22 (Use code QUEST15 for 15 percent off admission); available at jurassicquest.com or on-site
• Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale
where they can channel their
where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and study replicated and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull.
“They can learn not only how fossils are made, but they can make fossils themselves, and at the end of the day, they get to walk away with a dinosaurshaped fossil,” Safari Sarah says.
On display, you’ll find real artifacts like Megalodon and dinosaur teeth, horseshoe crabs, and maybe even a dinosaur skull.
Friends of the Brothers Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers. Their powerful celebration 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 while singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their firsthand experience with the Allman Brothers and their deep knowledge of the repertoire, its roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. Rock on!
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.
Every dinosaur is created in collaboration with top paleontologists to create accurate depictions. As more is learned about these prehistoric creatures, their features are updated to reflect the most authentic depiction of dinosaurs in their prime.
This year, you may see some different feather placement and colors added to the pack.
“We actually know that feathers were a lot more prominent than we originally thought. There are even some paleontologists that think that the T-Rex had feathers,” Safari Sarah explains.
While we may think of dinosaurs in their largerthan-life forms, they, of course started out young — and “small.” Meet the baby dinos, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops, three lovable hatchlings ready to play with new friends!
“They all have their own personalities. They’re all kinds of tricksters and will steal your hat or your phone from you. They’re cute little buddies,” Safari Sarah says.
“The famous question we get is ‘Is this really real?”’ There’s much to explore at each activity station, including an opportunity to become a Utahraptor trainer for the largest raptor in the world. The team instruct families on different commands and tricks to use that they can try out for themselves.
Kids will also want to check out the fossil dig,
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s a scavenger hunt-style activity that the whole family can explore. Go on “The Quest,” a scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Park Rangers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and fact-filled video tour.
And the youngest adventurers have a spot all their own. Little dino-lovers can roam the ‘Triceratots’ soft play area, taking a well-deserved break from the excitement.
and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help the
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all ages to a sense of wonder.
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all of this
“If a parent can step outside of their ‘common sense’ and get into ‘wow, this is a real science,’ it really opens it up for their children as well, ” Safari Sarah says.
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, atmosphere
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, dinosaurs unearth new — but actually very old — possibilities.
“Studying dinosaurs is a gateway science,” Safari Sarah explains. “It opens it up to all these different sciences that talk about our Earth or the atmosphere or the stars. Things that have always been around since the beginning of time.”
Photos courtesy Jurassic Quest
His ‘Bronx Tale’ Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage, with his solo version of “A Bronx Tale.” The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was nine years old. Palminteri plays 18 characters and brings them all to life in his autobiographical play. His friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. It became a hit after he wrote it in 1989 and the most sought after property since “Rocky.” This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. Bronx-born and raised, Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the long line of prominent Italian actors in the film industry.
Trainer Safari Sarah (at left) knows her way around a dinosaur herd. These prehistoric creatures — of all shapes and sizes — roar to life at Jurassic Quest.
Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com for tickets.
Your Neighborhood
THE
Kevin James
You know him, you love him, and now you can catch Kevin James when his “Owls Don’t Walk” tour arrives at the Paramount, Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. The standup comic and beloved sitcom star brings his latest material out on the road in 2025. In this this unfiltered special James’ delivers his hot takes on everything from parenting to marriage and getting older. As only Kevin can, he covers a range of topics from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth. James sure has come a long way since his early standup days on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom. “The King of Queens” premiered in 1998 and ran for nine seasons, earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. From there, his acting career blew up — in film and television. He also starred in, and executive produced The Crew, a sitcom set in the world of NASCAR and is currently developing a single camera comedy (both for Netflix).
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.
Have questions about tech?
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.).
Psychic Night
Tap into spirituality at Sangria71’s Psychic Night at in Island Park, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. With one-onone private psychic readings and a delicious three-course dinner, including tapas, salad, and an entrée. A cash bar will also be available for guests to enjoy. $65 per person, with tax and gratuity not included; $25 deposit is required per person to secure your spot. Reservations can be made by calling (516) 882-4250. For additional questions, text or call Brenda Lee at (516) 4441975. 4585 Austin Blvd., Island Park. Visit longislandpsychics. com for more details.
“Through My Lens” Photography Exhibit
Of course, he’s always eager to return to his standup roots. He had concluded his previous tour, “Irregardless,” at The Paramount in November2023, in a benefit event for The Alonso Foundation, a nonprofit group founded by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and his wife, Haley, to help combat bullying, cyberbullying, animal abuse and other societal ills. So if you love the King of Queens’ hilarious, spot-on takes on jobs, relationships, and the petty annoyances of everyday life, then don’t miss your chance to hear his newest jokes live $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
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.
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.
February 13,
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
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
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 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 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 151246
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU 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, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 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.
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
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 25th day of February 2025 at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day, to consider enacting Chapter 101-B of the Hempstead Town Code in relation to a temporary
moratorium on battery energy storage system facilities.
The proposed local law is available at hempsteadny.gov, on the bulletin board at Town Hall as of the publication of this notice, and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours.
ALL PERSONS
INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: Hempstead, New York
February 4, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK.
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 151513
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee for CVI CGS Mortgage Loan Trust I, Plaintiff, vs. Frank Morizio, Jr. a/k/a Frank Morizio, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 3, 2018 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 9, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 84 Virginia Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. 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, Section 43, Block 387 and Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment is $636,601.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold
subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007051/2015.
Thomas McNamara, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 213045-2 151521
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. 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, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009. David Lieser, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151527
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, Pltf. vs. INTERCONTINENTAL AMERICA FREIGHT
SERVICES, INC S/H/A
INTERCONTINENTAL
AMERICA FREIGHT SERVICES INC., et al, Defts. Index #613354/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 16, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 1010 California Place S., Island Park, NY 11558 a/k/a Section 43, Block 100, Lots 26-27, 68-70 and 127. Said property designated on Map of Island Park, Long Beach, shown part of holdings of Island Park Long Beach Inc., Sheet 14, W.E. Howard, C.E., dated December 29, 1925 and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on Dec. 29, 1925 as Map No. 587 and also shown on Map No. 572 as and by Lots 26, 27 and 27A and dock plots 26, 27 and 28 in Block 106. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,956.30 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. PETER KRAMER, Referee - (516) 510-4020. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102081 151519
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiffagainst- MICHAEL MCKAY; JANET MCKAY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 16, 2024 and entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as Section 38 Block 400
Lot 474. Said premises known as 2829 ELM STREET, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 Approximate amount of lien $609,381.14 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 610218/2022.
RALPH J. MADALENA, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ISLAND PAR*} 151452
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST DAVID T. BIANCO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 4, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 17, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 326 Moore Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 290, Lot 51-53. Approximate amount of judgment $342,122.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604724/2021. Anthony C. Curcio Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000172 84240 151494
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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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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
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.
We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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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
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 IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/
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Nailing down the permits
Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?
A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.
Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.
The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.
You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.
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Trump’s whirlwind first three weeks
president Trump is back, and with his return, the golden age of America has begun. After four years of economic decline, border chaos and radical leftist policies, we finally have a leader in the White House who puts America first.
The Senate has already confirmed five of Trump’s exceptional cabinet nominees: Marco Rubio as secretary of state, Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, John Ratcliffe as CIA director, Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, and Scott Bessent as treasury secretary. These appointments are just the beginning of a government that works for the American people, not against them. The president is making good on his promises. One of Trump’s first actions was declaring a national emergency at our southern border. He ended the disastrous “catch and release” policy and resumed construction of the border wall, making it clear that America will no longer tolerate illegal immigration. His administration has already taken aggressive steps to deport violent criminals, gang members
Nand suspected terrorists who were allowed to remain under the previous administration.
When the Colombian government refused to accept deported criminals, Trump swiftly imposed sanctions and tariffs. Within hours, Colombia relented. This is what American strength looks like.
HTrump has also made significant strides toward restoring America’s energy independence. One of his boldest moves was working to shut down harmful wind turbine projects, which threaten both our landscapes and the lives of wildlife, especially here on Long Island. The new administration has prioritized unleashing American energy production by rolling back restrictive regulations, which will lead to lower costs for American families and bolster the economy. Under his leadership, the U.S. is less reliant on foreign energy sources than at any time in recent history, ensuring both national security and economic stability.
e’s ended the left’s effort to reshape America through government overreach.
Most notably, Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the first foreign dignitary he met with after his inauguration, symbolizing the strong ties between our nations. The president’s actions have led to the release of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas, underscoring America’s commitment to Israel’s security and peace in the region.
On the economic front, Trump is tackling the damage left by four years of reckless spending, overregulation, and a war on American energy. He has ordered federal agencies to roll back burdensome regulations, unleash domestic energy production and taken immediate steps to lower costs for struggling families. Under the previous administration, inflation skyrocketed, wages stagnated, and American businesses suffered under mountains of red tape. Trump is already working to reverse this damage, putting America back on the path to prosperity.
that rewards hard work and excellence. Additionally, he signed an executive order affirming a basic truth: There are only two sexes — male and female. After years of government-enforced insanity, Trump has restored reality to federal policy.
Unlike his predecessor, Trump is once again proving to be the most transparent and accessible president in American history. He holds frequent news conferences, engages directly with the public, and speaks honestly with the American people.
In a groundbreaking move, the White House is expanding press access beyond the legacy media. Independent journalists, podcasters and new media voices will now have the opportunity to report from the briefing room, ensuring that Americans receive news from sources they trust. This administration understands that millions of people no longer rely on the traditional media, and it is adapting to the new reality.
On the global stage, the president has cemented strong relationships with our allies, particularly with Israel. His administration has worked tirelessly to support Israel, including facilitating the release of hostages, demonstrating unwavering support for our partner in the Middle East.
One of the most significant actions the president has taken is putting an end to the radical left’s attempt to reshape America through government overreach. He has directed all federal agencies to eliminate illegal diversity, equity and inclusion programs, restoring a merit-based system
The president’s first weeks back in office have demonstrated that the U.S. is on a new course — one of strength, prosperity and common sense. The radical left’s failed policies are being dismantled, our borders are being secured, criminals are being deported and the economy is being revitalized.
America is back, and our golden age has just begun.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
High anxiety is gripping many Americans
ot that anxiety is funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh at ourselves.
In 1977, Mel Brooks did just that, with his movie “High Anxiety,” starring Brooks as a wildly neurotic shrink and Cloris Leachman as his mustachioed, militaristic nurse at the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous.
Now, either you think that’s funny or you’re already writing me a letter. But I speak from experience. I’m an anxious person, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40 percent of Americans said last year that they were more anxious than the year before.
I was an anxious kid, and teen, and adult. I come by my anxiety honestly, from my nervous parents and grandparents. Most days, I do breathing exercises before I open my eyes in the morning. How do you know if you have anxiety? Do you have a pulse and a moral conscience? You’re in.
Officially, according to psychothera-
pist Linda Hubbard in an article on the Mayo Clinic website, you might have trouble concentrating, you may feel tense or restless, or experience muscle tension or headaches or lightheaded or sleeplessness.
Anxiety treatment has become big business. As I write this — case in point — I just got a pop-up ad from an online health letter selling “proven stress-busting techniques.” The barrage of anti-anxiety messaging is endless. We have to be careful consumers. I offer these words to commiserate and say you are not alone. These are troubling times, and nearly everyone I know is feeling some stress or anxiety. It is permissible now to discuss these feelings openly, and there is relief in sharing.
A nd its treatment is big business. Anti-anxiety messaging is endless.
“shell-shocked,” and ostracized. Now antianxiety tactics and treatments are freely marketed and talked about and posted. Today’s society and culture have produced more anxiety, and more discussions of anxiety online, on TV and in social media. Anxiety has become monetized, from advertisements for medications to promotions for apps that control anxiety and foods and selfhelp books that promise to ease our emotional pain. Since the pandemic, we have had good reason to feel anxious. Our peace of mind is under attack, by everything from rising waters and emerging viruses to political dysfunction and the assault on our democratic values.
work, sometimes and to some degree.
For those of us whose anxiety is triggered by the confederacy of dunces who have taken the political stage in Washington, eventually we can vote, but day to day, we can turn off the cacophony of news and social media that surely make us feel worse. I read a few newspapers to keep informed, but I no longer watch much TV, unless it makes me laugh (in a good way). Throw everything at the problem and see what works. But don’t try to tough it out. Be selective in using the internet. Let social media be your tool and not the other way around.
Each of us, in our own lives, can find reasonable and healthy ways to reduce anxiety. Many of them are free, like turning away from devices and toward people. When we need professional help, we can find it. Medications work for millions of people.
There is no real history tracking anxiety. Maybe Shakespeare was anxious; he did create Hamlet, one of the most deeply anxious characters in literature. Maybe cowboys who rode the range felt stress about the roundups. Perhaps our storied astronauts suffered these symptoms. It’s worse to suffer in silence, but that was always the expectation, especially for men. Soldiers who suffered debilitating anxiety in World War I were considered
I am a foot soldier in the struggle with anxiety. What works for me? I walk outdoors as often and as far as I can, weather permitting. The steps, one by one, for a mile or two, seem to ease tension.
I bought one of the apps that promise to reduce anxiety. It offers really boring stories read by monotonic narrators, which help you unwind and even fall asleep. The app also features yoga exercises and various sounds like rain on a roof and light piano music and ocean waves. In my own experience, all of these
It doesn’t hurt to have a laugh or two each day. Comedians like Sarah Silverman and the late Robin Williams carved careers out of their struggles with anxiety. The Apple TV series “Shrinking” has some laugh-out-loud moments. Maybe start by streaming a copy of “High Anxiety” and checking into the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous for a few hours.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ARi BRoWN RANDi KREiss
HERALD
The concern about a county civilian militia
the recent controversy surrounding Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of an armed civilian unit has sparked intense debate.
Blakeman unveiled a plan last March to deputize gun-owning residents for what he termed “the protection of human life and property during an emergency.”
Democratic lawmakers in Nassau County have now taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in State Supreme Court against what they describe as an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.” The concerns focus on not only the legality of the initiative, but also on Blakeman’s refusal to provide clear and essential details about the program.
While opinions on the concept of a civilian militia may vary, what should trouble every resident, regardless of political affiliation, is the disturbing lack of transparency surrounding this initiative. It is not merely the existence of the militia that is at issue, but the secrecy and lack of accountability with which it has been formed and implemented.
As representatives of the people, these lawmakers have a duty to ensure that government actions are conducted openly and lawfully. Their inability to obtain basic information about this unit — who is being recruited, what their training entails, the weapons they will carry, and the total cost to taxpayers — should alarm everyone, regardless of where they stand on the issue of deputizing civilians.
State law in New York is explicit in
letters
defining who can wield police powers: only professional, sworn law enforcement officers. By contrast, the county’s unit consists of volunteers who are required only to be licensed gun owners and complete 12 hours of classroom and firearms training.
This falls far short of the rigorous training required of sworn officers, raising critical concerns about competency and public safety. If these volunteers are granted the authority to use deadly force and make arrests, then their selection, training and oversight should be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny.
Blakeman has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit as “frivolous” and an attack on the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement personnel. But his response sidesteps the central issue. No one is questioning the dedication or service history of these individuals. What is being questioned is the manner in which the program has been conceived and implemented — behind closed doors, without legislative approval, and without adequate public oversight.
The county has stated that these deputies will only be deployed in emergencies to protect critical infrastructure, not to patrol streets or manage protests. But without a transparent, codified framework governing their deployment, there are no guarantees that those boundaries will be respected. History has shown that when emergency powers are granted without sufficient oversight, they can be misused or expanded beyond their original intent.
Has Peter King forgotten Jan. 6?
To the Editor:
I just read Peter King’s column in last week’s Herald, “An inauguration that was decidedly different,” and it made me sick. But King is correct in stating that this inauguration was different. Unlike President Trump four years ago, President Biden was there to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. There was no denial of who won the election. Biden upheld our country’s grand tradition.
On Jan. 6, 2021, police officers were killed and injured by people doing Mr. Trump’s bidding. The lives of Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and all of the members of Congress were at risk. The brave Capitol Police did their duty to protect them, and the thanks they get is a president pardoning their attackers and the people they protected turning their backs on them.
I’d warn Mr. King: Trump’s presidency is a moment in time, but eventually it will pass, and history will not be kind to those like you. Your grand-
Nassau County is not lacking for law enforcement resources. With roughly 2,600 sworn officers, the Nassau County Police Department is the 12th-largest local police force in the country. There is also an existing structure for civilian involvement — the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and the County Community Emergency Response Team, both of which operate unarmed and under professional supervision. Given these resources, what specific gap is the militia intended to fill?
County residents deserve answers. How were these individuals selected? What specific criteria were used? What safeguards exist to ensure their proper conduct? What is the financial burden on taxpayers? Until these questions are answered, the program lacks legitimacy. The lack of transparency is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental issue of governance. When taxpayer money is being used to fund an initiative that involves armed civilians exercising government-sanctioned power, full disclosure should — must — be the bare minimum. If the program is truly necessary, it should withstand public scrutiny and meet the highest standards of accountability.
Blakeman and his administration must provide the information being sought by community members and lawmakers alike. Without this transparency, concerns about the legality and safety of the program will only continue to grow. The people of Nassau County deserve to know exactly what is being done in their name and with their money. Anything less is unacceptable.
opinions University leaders should not remain neutral
aroBerT a . sCoTT
fter the congressional hearings that challenged university presidents on campus activism amid allegations of antisemitism, many institutions adopted policies of “institutional neutrality.” Boards of trustees resolved that they would not comment on political issues such as international conflicts, investments in certain countries, and policies proposed by elected officials. Many of the resolutions cited principles enunciated by the University of Chicago. According to the Chicago principles, university leaders should not engage in speech that would appear to infringe on others’ speech. The university should be a protected, neutral place for the expression of all ideas, a safe space for “strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions.”
(“Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action,” University of Chicago, 1967.)
There are good reasons for this. When a board or president issues a statement, it can stifle contrary views; it can suppress debate. This would violate the university’s responsibility to foster
critical thinking. Making statements about some issues, but not others, could indicate that some deserve comment but others do not.
But the Kalven Report, which affirmed the University of Chicago’s mission of free inquiry and independence, did not prohibit leaders from commenting on public policies that would affect institutional autonomy and the freedom of scholars to pursue truth no matter where that pursuit may lead. So, “no” to taking partisan positions, but “yes” to evaluating proposals such as those in the much-discussed Project 2025, prepared by the Heritage Foundation, that infringe on the purposes of education.
TAnd it is the home for critical thinking and critics who ask “why?” and “why not?” In these ways, a university is as much about the advancement of ethical character and engaged citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and commerce.
he muchdiscussed Project 25 infringes on the purposes of education.
I agree with these principles. Neutrality does not mean silence. A campus president should not remain silent in the face of proposals that would undermine free speech. A university president has an obligation to question proposals that would undercut quality controls. It is the responsibility of a president and the board to protect the university as the home of critics even as it is not itself a voice of criticism.
A university has three fundamental roles. It is the creator of new knowledge as well as of new professionals. It is the curator of knowledge in all its forms.
LeTTers
kids will have to explain why their grandfather sided with a man who tried to take down democracy instead of standing up to him.
Rest assured, many of us will never forget what happened on Jan. 6. We will continue to fight the good fight. At the same time, career politicians like Mr. King will sacrifice their integrity (if they ever had any) to support a man who wants to be king.
VINCENT MASTROTA
Sea Cliff
Whose golden age?
To the Editor:
After reading Congressman Emeritus King’s op-ed, I have reservations about his lauding President Trump. I wrote Trump before he took office, saying that it would be groundbreaking if he became the president of all the people. His legacy would be the destruction of the partisanship that is slowly strangling the USA. I received a very hopeful reply signed by the president-elect.
As of today, I realize this was a dream. I and many like me, ordinary hardworking Americans, have been scammed.
King defends most of Trump’s and his minions’ draconian attacks on the very roots of what’s left of our republic. Revenge, and creating turmoil and anxiety, are the order of the day. Religion is being weaponized, and censorship, which Trump says we will now be free of, is being spread through the agencies of government, right down to teachers in our schools.
Being poor, with skin of a different tone, dispossessed or a peaceful immigrant, is no longer acceptable. The norm will soon become the knock on the door, the presentation of “your papers” and a disappearance in the night. History proves that while we’re not there yet, we are heading down this slippery slope.
King writes of Trump’s new “golden age.” On that term we agree, but we define it differently. The only gold I see is his greedy cadre of rich men grabbing all the power they can lay their hands on. They know that power breeds money. They are pigs at the trough.
King writes that the functions he attended in Washington were filled with “extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.” Yet the president is but three weeks in office, and many who supported him are reacting
Across the country, governors and state legislators promote policies that proscribe what subjects can be taught and what books can be read. Project 2025 is a “blueprint” for multiple changes in federal policy related to knowledge and expertise. It alleges, without evidence, a radical leftwing bias in university teaching. At the same time, it would require a selective teaching of American history by omitting mention of race and slavery. It also would substitute religious belief for scientific evidence, including weather forecasting and study of the environment. It would substitute political tests for professional expertise, stifling critical thinking and free speech.
The Project calls for the abolition of the U.S. Department of Education, and reclassifying federal scientists as political appointees. It would turn over consumer protections from predatory proprietary schools to the states and retract the “borrower-defense” provisions of the federal loan system put in place to protect students from for-profit schools and lenders.
Project 2025 also calls for eliminating Head Start; overhauling the educational accreditation system, reducing its political neutrality; and rolling back Title IX protections for sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ students. It calls for prosecuting all government agencies, colleges, corporations and other private employers that maintain diversity policies.
Public education was established to ensure an informed citizenry, essential to a functioning democracy. Project 2025 would deny freedoms in favor of authoritarian dictates. Instead of supporting public education, it would allow for the banning of books and restrictions on independent inquiry.
Project 2025 should be studied and debated. We should affirm the purpose and benefits of education to society and the individual. Project 2025 limits rights, opposes inconvenient history and science, and would impose biased views. We can be passionate in the defense of academic values without becoming politically partisan. Only by advocating for freedom of inquiry and free speech will we preserve them, and our democracy. On this, university leaders should not be neutral.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate,” Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.
adversely to the confusion, disappointment and the “shock and awe” of his policies and his erratic statements. Many are feeling buyer’s remorse.
King is an intelligent man who did much for his constituents when he served the public. It is difficult to comprehend how he cannot sense that this president is quickly on his way to
becoming a clear and present danger to the republic King served.
King and I probably both pray, in our own ways, for the same things, a better country and a peaceful world. It’s good to dream!
Framework by Tim Baker
At the annual month-long celebration of Black history — Freeport
MARK C. NUCCIO Bellmore
