Oceanside/Island Park Herald 04-17-2025

Giving back after years-long ordeal

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Katie Patton, an Oceanside High School student, has used her inspiring journey conquering a life-threatening illness to help children who are facing similar health challenges.

The Florence A. Smith Elementary School #2 honored the 16-year-old on Friday during the school’s annual Superhero Day. The day gives students the opportunity to wear superhero shirts and celebrates Patton, a former student at the school, as its very own superhero.

Katie was born with a rare

ContinuED on PAgE 9

MSSN panel explores alcohol-cancer link

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a panel discussion last week at the Optimum Theater in Bethpage, experts from Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital and Oceanside community leaders gathered to address the growing concerns about alcohol consumption and its link to cancer. The event, on April 9, which was the day before National Alcohol Screening Day, brought together medical professionals and community representatives to share their insights about a recently released Truth in Medicine poll and strategies to mitigate alcohol-related health risks.

The poll was conducted by a nationally recognized independent polling firm, LJR Custom Strategies, with offices in Washington and New Orleans.

LJR has conducted more than 2,000 studies for a broad spectrum of health care, business, education, cultural, and political clients in nearly every state in the country and around the world.

Sponsored by Four Leaf — formerly Bethpage Federal Credit Union — the poll periodically gathers data about public attitudes on key public health topics.

The discussion opened with an overview of the poll, which was conducted in late January

and surveyed 600 adults across Long Island and New York City. Forty-six percent of respondents had heard about outgoing surgeon general Vivek Murthy’s recommendation that cancer warning labels be placed on alcohol products, and 51 percent said they would consider drinking less if informed about the risks — but nearly half of those polled remained skeptical or unsure about the association between alcohol consumption and cancer.

“There is no doubt that alcohol causes cancer,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau, likening alcohol to well-known hazards like tobacco and ben-

zene. “The scientific evidence is clear: even moderate alcohol consumption carries risk. There is no safe level when it comes to cancer.”

The current health warning label on alcoholic beverages states only that alcohol impairs the ability to drive or operate machinery, and that women should not drink during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.

“There’s no data to support that one glass of alcohol a week is harmless,” Sharma added. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to get a cancer definitively, but it does mean that you have a risk associated with that. Doesn’t mean that you’re going to get cancer with every drink, but it is a cancer-causing agent. It is a little concerning that a certain significant percentage of peo -

Courtesy Oceanside School District

Katie Patton was recognized at the Florence A. Smith Elementary School #2 last Friday during the school’s Superhero Day for her courageous battle with a rare blood disorder 11 years ago. Alongside her were her brother, Brady, and teacher Joanne Constantino.

Aleena Zeejah receives Pathfinder Award

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Oceanside High School junior Aleena Zeejah was named one of the youngest recipients of the Town of Hempstead’s annual Pathfinder Award—an honorrecognizing women who have made significant contributions to their communities. Zeejah received the award for her work founding Cards for Mental Health, a youth-led initiative that spreads mental health awareness through handmade messages of support. When she first received the call, Aleena was in the middle of her AP Language class.

“I was getting a phone call. But of course, I didn’t pick it up, because I was like, you know, I can’t pick this up—I’m in class,” she recalled. “I got a voicemail, and I opened it... somebody had called me from the Town of Hempstead saying that Kate Murray, our Town Clerk, has nominated you for the annual Pathfinder Award.”

The award, presented during Women’s History Month, celebrates individuals whose service uplifts the local community. Cards for Mental Health, an organization Zeejah started last summer, organizes workshops where students create handwritten messages of support and delivers them to patients in mental health units at local hospitals.

“I was over the moon,” she said. “I felt like I was in a fever dream I never

wanted to end.”

Zeejah received the award at Town Hall on March 20, seated alongside other women from across the township. At just 16, Aleena stood out among a group of roughly nine honorees.

“It was really cool,” she said. “Kate Murray said at the town hall meeting that I was one of the youngest recipients to ever get [the award].”

Her group has already made a sub-

stantial impact. Zeejah’s December workshop at Oceanside Library was filled to capacity.

“I had like 50 spots open, and 20 people were on the waitlist,” she said. “I did end up having a good 35 to 40 people... kids were making the cards and getting community service.”

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Cards for Mental Health and the Oceanside

Library will host a Mental Health Awareness event on May 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will host Information booths from Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and Mount Sinai South Nassau, as well as interactive mental wellness activities and volunteer opportunities in local organizations and school groups.

Now a junior preparing for AP exams, Zeejah is also looking ahead to her future. She’s already taken her SATs and is considering schools, with her sights set on a career in public service.

“I’m going to major in psychology, and then I want to go for my JD afterward,” she said. “Like for public service—to be kind of like an elected official... My mom always says, ‘You’re going to be the president one day,’ and I’m like, okay!”

With another full year at Oceanside ahead of her, Zeejah isn’t slowing down. On Saturday Backyard Players & Friends partnered with Zeejah and Cards for Mental Health to host a free community workshop at The Backyard in Rockville Centre. Attendees dropped by between noon and 2 p.m. to craft handwritten notes designed to brighten someone’s day, emphasizing how a little kindness goes a long way.

“If I could help the whole world right now, I would give everybody a big hug and do everything for everyone,” she said. “It’s fun work for me.”

Courtesy Aleena Zeejah

Aleena Zeejah was recognized as one of the youngest recipients of the Pathfinder Award for her work with Cards for Mental Health. Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, left, Supervisor Don Clavin, Aleena Zeejah and Councilwoman Laura Ryder.

O’Side lacrosse win honors Ava Salonia

Before notching a win on April 4, the Oceanside Sailors varsity girl’s lacrosse team paused for a poignant moment of silence in honor of a former player whose photograph was displayed high above the field. The gesture marked the second annual game dedicated to the memory of 16-year-old Ava Salonia, who died on August 17, 2023, following a nearly yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

As the national anthem concluded, the Sailors—dressed in orange, the color of leukemia awareness—formed a circle and joined hands. Photos of Ava, an avid lacrosse player whose love for the sport never wavered even during her illness, played on the digital scoreboard. Standing among her teammates was Ava’s younger sister, Ella, who carried her sister’s spirit onto the field.

In addition to celebrating Ava’s life on the field, spectators donated to the newly established Ava Salonia Memorial Scholarship. This June, two Oceanside High School seniors who exhibit kindness, compassion, and empathy— qualities Ava was known for—will each receive a $500 scholarship. “

During halftime, Oceanside Athletic Director Tom Lehman presented Ava’s parents Jessica and Ralph Salonia with two framed Sailors jerseys bearing Ava’s number, 8.

The legacy of Ava’s creativity and kindness also lives on through a craft project that began in her hospital room at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The craft initiative has expanded to include drawstring bags, which pediatric patients can customize and keep or gift to loved ones.

Through scholarships, moments of silence, and a growing community of young crafters, Ava’s memory continues to bring people together—reminding all who knew her that kindness, perseverance, and love can leave a lasting mark.

–Kepherd Daniel

The Oceanside Sailors varsity girls lacrosse team’s victory meant a little more on April 4. As the the girls cruised to victory on a night where the school honored rheir former lacrosse teammate Ava Salonia at the games halftime.

Abby Blaum spoke on behalf of Ava’s parents, Jessica and Ralph Salonia.

The Color Guard presented their flags in honor of Ava Salonia. From left was Sean Walker, Michael Walker, Andrew Groschke, and Mark Vitelli.

Skye Margies/Herald photos

Ava Salonia’s family pictured with framed jerseys with Ava’s number as it’s being retired in her honor. From left was her mom, Jessica, her two sisters, eighth grader Angie Salonia and Junior Ella Salonia and her father Ralph Salonia.

Seniors Julianna Ewashko, left and Samantha Gemmo Senior gave a warm speech about their late friend Ava Salonia.

Lincoln Orens puts on a show of ‘Beauty’

The Lincoln Orens Middle School Theatre Group recently brought the enchanting musical “Beauty and the Beast” to life with two evening performances on March 22 and 23 in the Steven L. Foster Auditorium. Throughout the production, themes of love, kindness and inner beauty were emphasized.

A dedicated cast of 63 students, including performers, ensemble members, and technology and stage crew, worked tirelessly to create a magical experience for family and friends. Familiar musical favorites included “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the

Beast.” Emma Erdel-Laws starred as Belle, with Madison Rapp taking on the role of the Beast/Prince. Other standout performances included Lily Stein as Lumière, Avery Fender as Cogsworth, Gabriella Mejia as Mrs. Potts and Julie Marrero as Chip.

“’Beauty and the Beast’ showcased the students’ dedication and creativity, leaving the audience both entertained and deeply impressed by their outstanding performances,” director and choreographer Morgan Rothfeld said.

–Kepherd Daniel

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Each one of us experience countless injustices in the course of everyday living. Like other experiences, it is not the experience itself so much that counts, but how you process it. The Mayo Clinic addresses the health benefits of “forgiveness” which they define as “an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger”. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships

• Improved mental health

• Less anxiety, stress and hostility

• Fewer symptoms of depression

• Lower blood pressure

• A stronger immune system

• Improved heart health

• Improved self-esteem

• Better sleep

Everett Worthington, Profession Emeritus of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provides a free workbook at evworthington-forgiveness.com to aid those for whom forgiveness may be difficult (most

of us!), focusing on the REACH method.

Recall: Recall the hurt. Look at the incident in an objective way and don’t try to push aside your feelings.

Empathize: Empathize with the offender without excusing the action or invalidating your own feelings. Maybe the person was having a bad day or was raised in dire circumstances.

Altruistic gift: Give the altruistic gift of forgiveness. Think about a time when you were rude or harsh, and recognize that everyone has shortcomings.

Commit: Make a decision to forgive. You can write a letter that you don’t send to help yourself make the commitment.

Hold: Hold on to forgiveness. Memories of the transgression or event won’t change. But how you react to those feelings will.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”.

—Buddha

I.P

students join Junior Honor Society

Island Park’s Lincoln Orens Middle School inducted 28 members of the National Junior Honor Society on April 3. The newly inducted students were selected based on their demonstration of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship, and each met specific requirements for academics and community service.

Principal Bruce Hoffman welcomed

the inductees and explained how they are not only to be honored for their academic success, but also because they are leaders who are involved in their school and community. He encouraged the students to continue striving to be their best and to remember to work hard and set goals.

–Kepherd Daniel

The district congratulates the following students on this achievement

■ Tessa Antonetti

■ Anthony Arcario

■ Avery Brooks

■ Patrick Colletti

■ Dylen Collins

■ Christopher DeCunzo, Jr.

■ Alexandra Dispo

■ Liam Fallon

■ Dany Galeas-Diaz

■ Chase Goodwin

■ James Grasso

■ Samantha Guzman

■ Anaya Lee

■ Matthew Lewis

■ Allysha Marie Lucas

■ Allyson Marie Lucas

■ Jacob Marshall

■ Jocelyn Morales

■ Ava Porcelli

■ Maxsima Ragnauth

■ Adan Rodriguez

■ Josephine Sambade

■ Sophia Santiago

■ Deanna Senter

■ Isabella Severino

■ Raven Singleton

■ Maria Silva Martinez

■ Luke Testerman

Courtesy of Island Park Public Schools

The Lincoln Orens Middle School Theatre Group performed ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in the Steven L. Foster Auditorium on March 22 and 23.

Courtesy of Island Park Public Schools

Island Park inducted 28 members of the National Junior Honor Society on April 3.

ALEXANDRA AIEVOLI

Calhoun Senior Lacrosse

IT WAS A HISTORIC afternoon for Aievoli April 7 when the Colts defeated Carle Place, 14-6. The senior midfielder found the back of the net seven times, including the 100th goal of her high school career, to lead Calhoun’s offense. On the season, the multitalented threat ranks among Nassau County’s top 5 scorers with 26 goals and 11 assists through seven games, leading the Colts to a 6-1 start in the process. In 2024, she tallied 30 goals and 13 assists.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 17

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa...................10 a.m.

Baseball: Malverne at Plainedge.............................10 a.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at East Meadow .....................10 a.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Baldwin ...........................10 a.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Hewlett .................................10 a.m.

Baseball: Calhoun at Kennedy ................................10 a.m.

Softball: Uniondale at East Rockaway.....................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Mepham .....................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Baldwin at Calhoun .........................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: South Side at Carey........................11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Oceanside ................1 p.m.

Saturday, April 19

Softball: Freeport at East Rockaway ..........................9 a.m.

Baseball: West Hempstead at V.S. Central ..............10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at North Shore .................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Plainedge ...............11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Baldwin ..........................1 p.m.

Monday, April 21

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Mineola .......................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at Malv/East Rock. .............1 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Calhoun .................................5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Kennedy ............................5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside ....................5 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring 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.

Sailors post clutch win over ‘Pequa

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

The Oceanside baseball team managed to beat Mother Nature and its peskiest nemesis on the same day.

Senior Luke Villella scattered just two hits over six innings with nine strikeouts and junior Ryan Pender doubled in the tiebreaking run in the sixth as the Sailors handed host Massapequa its first loss of the early season with a 4-2 victory on a rainy evening last Friday.

Finn Rummenie, J.J. Kemmesat and Alex Merejo also drove in runs for Oceanside, which beat the Chiefs for just the third time in 14 tries since the pandemic. The Sailors improved to 3-0 against Conference AAA opponents while dropping Massapequa’s mark to 2-1.

“I think the kids held court the whole way and battled from the first inning to the last,” Sailors coach Mike Postilio. “We had contributions up and down our roster. A lot of kids stepped up, a lot of seniors that got opportunities stepped up, and we want to win every game we play.”

The game was tied at 2-2 when Rummenie led off the sixth inning with a single. Pinch runner Dylan Beirne advanced to second on Ryan Piccola’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Pender’s double to left two batters later.

Kyle Scheurer again used his legs to help the Sailors score a big insurance run in the seventh. The senior center fielder walked to lead off the frame and stole his second base of the game and eighth in the last three contests before advancing to third when the catcher’s throw went into center field.

Jack Regan walked, and, after a strikeout, Merejo put down a safety squeeze bunt that scored Scheurer to make it 4-2.

Massapequa put two runners on with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but senior Jake Ducorsky got Thomas Harding to ground into a fielder’s choice for his first save of the season.

Villella only allowed a first-inning single and Thomas Connelly’s gametying two-run homer in the fourth in his

Massapequa in rainy conditions, 4-2.

first start of the season.

“To hold them to two hits was a big plus for us,” Postilio said. “Our defense played really well. We turned a double play in the seventh inning, and we executed a safety squeeze, a sacrifice bunt, we made all of our plays. So, on our end, it was great.”

Beirne beat Hicksville on April 8 with a six-inning one-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a 10-0 victory and junior Jack Paul helped Oceanside complete the home-and-home sweep the following day by allowing just two runs on three hits with four strikeouts over five innings.

Scheurer went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and five stolen bases in the latter contest.

“Kyle’s been batting leadoff since he was a freshman,” Postilio said. “He gets on, he loves to run, and he makes it hard on the defense, especially the opposing pitcher.”

The Sailors began last season 8-3 but lost seven of their last nine regular-season games before dropping the deciding third game in their quarterfinal series with Plainview. The schools meet again in a home-and-home series this week.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Senior hurler Luke Villella allowed just two hits in six innings last Friday as Oceanside defeated

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Join your neighbors and businesses across New York and Tell Senator Bynoe and Assemblymember Brown:

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YES TO AFFORDABLE WASTE REDUCTION THAT DOESN’T OVERBURDEN CONSUMERS!

Soccer academy builds unity, confidence

In a welcoming space, preparing kids of all ages to compete in Long Island Junior League

By MELINDA ROLLS & CHRISTINA ARLOTTOA Special to the Herald

Second in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.

As the sun dipped behind the trees in Uniondale on a recent Thursday, the rhythmic pulse of soccer balls colliding with cleats mixed with the sharp calls of coaches in Spanish. On the well-worn grass, athletes lined up one by one in familiar ritual, launching powerful kicks into the net as the goalkeeper battled each incoming shot.

The young athletes scattered across the field behind NuHealth’s A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale were members of the New York Soccer Latin Academy. The club, based in Uniondale-Hempstead, was founded in 2002 by NYSLA coach Francisco Guerrero to train players ages 5 to 19 for competition in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

Community roots

Volunteer coaches, including Salvador Alvarenga, of Long Beach, who emigrated from El Salvador and started coaching when the team was founded, run the team. He began playing soccer at age 6, and after his playing career ended, transitioned to coaching to stay connected to the game.

Alvarenga highlighted the team’s family-centered culture, noting that many players have virtually grown up on soccer fields, especially those with older siblings already on the team. “For most of them, their mom was pregnant and they were already on the field … They practically were born here,” Alvarenga said.

He added that it was rewarding to know that the local Hispanic community recognizes NYSLA as a welcoming space for their children. “It’s really good to know that the Spanish community knows that we are here, and that they can bring the kids here,” Alvarenga said.

In line with family values, one of the academy’s core commitments since its creation has been maintaining affordable costs for families, which Alvarenga said is often not the case for American soccer academies. “We just charge basic fees to cover our expenses,” he said. “And now we’ve been surviving for 23 years, so we’re doing something good.”

With over two decades of coaching experience with NYSLA, Alvarenga explained that his coaching philosophy centers on more than developing skilled players. Instead, it is about instilling a deep love for the sport and discipline to prepare players for success beyond the game.

“They have to try their best,” Alvarenga said. “That’s what we try to tell them all the time, so they try to excel in whatever they do.”

Alvarenga shared that his greatest source of motivation to continue coach-

ing comes from watching young players grow and evolve through the academy.

“That’s our payment,” he said.

Friendship on the field

Two players share a bond that extends beyond passing the soccer ball. Kelli Crespin, 15, of Hempstead, and Angelina Escobar, 14, of Franklin Square, have spent the past seven years as the only two girls on their team’s roster.

Escobar, with family from Mexico and El Salvador, was first introduced to soccer by her grandfather. Crespin, with roots in El Salvador and Honduras, discovered the game through her older brother while he was playing for the academy

“I just came along with him, and the coach asked if I wanted to play,” Crespin said. “I ended up liking it, and I just kept coming back.”

But it wasn’t just the game that kept her coming back — it was also her friendship with Escobar, who became her closest friend on the team.

Both girls said that while playing exclusively with boys presents its own set of challenges, they are grateful for the resilience it has instilled in them. “Playing with the boys made me really strong,” Escobar said. “I’m not as sensitive anymore.”

Both girls shared that their coaches at the academy have also taught them valuable lessons that extend beyond the field. “I’ve learned a lot, and not just about soccer,” Crespin said. “It’s about becoming a better person while being more active.”

Escobar said her time under Guerrero’s coaching has profoundly shaped her as a player and beyond. “I’ve learned a lot from him because he’s taught me everything I know,” Escobar said. “How to play on the field, how to not be dirty,

how to act.”

After years of dedication to the team, Crespin emphasized her desire to now serve as a role model for younger team members.

face off during practice.

“I would like to show them that no matter what, you can always do what you want to do,” Crespin said. “If you’re passionate about something, continue it. Keep on going.”

Two soccer academy players

The New York Soccer Latin Academy is dedicated not only to teaching soccer’s fundamentals, but also to providing a welcoming space for the local Hispanic community.

Christina Artlotta/Herald photos

New York Soccer Latin Academy player Angelina Escobar received a jersey during a practice.

Katie Patton’s long journey of compassion

genetic blood disorder known as Diamond-Blackfan anemia, where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. Typically manifesting itself in infancy, the disorder affects about 1,000 people in North America.

Katie’s blood disorder required a specialized treatment protocol typically used for cancer patients, and she underwent more than 100 blood transfusions during the first few years of her life.

Her parents, Lori and Ryan Patton, took extraordinary measures to ensure her survival, including a carefully planned in vitro fertilization to conceive a sibling who could potentially serve as a bone marrow transplant donor for Katie.

Her struggle reached a turning point in 2013 when her younger brother, Brady, became her life-saving donor when he was 18 months old. “He gave his sister this great gift and a chance, and they’ve always had a really close relationship,”

Lori Patton, an Oceanside High School teacher for 22 years, said. “I think keeping them in the loop of what has happened, and we were always honest about how we had to have IVF to have him. He gave his sister this great, great gift.”

Following a grueling 50-day hospital stay and a nine-month quarantine peri-

ease.

Katie’s difficult early experiences in hospitals did not break her spirit — instead, they ignited a passion to give back. Drawing from her memories of hospital stays and the comfort provided by her family, Katie launched the Katie Gives Back fundraiser 11 years ago, once she was healthy.

With an initial focus on collecting toys and essential comfort items for pediatric patients, her initiative evolved into a monetary fundraiser in response to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. The fundraiser has allowed her to continue supporting children facing similar trials in hospitals, ensuring they have a more comforting experience during their treatments.

“I couldn’t really be around that many people,” Katie said of her experience. “Then, when I got out, I was quarantined in my house for nine months. Then, when I got out, we went to Disneyland, and then I started this fundraiser the year after I got out of the hospital because I wanted to give back to all the kids who were in the hospital still and were going through what I had gone through.”

The Florence A. Smith School has become a central hub for Katie’s mission. Superhero Day originated from Katie’s medical journey and her desire to support other children facing similar obstacles. In 2016, when Katie moved to

Oceanside from Holbrook and attended her new school, her teacher learned about her remarkable medical history.

The school community decided to create a special day that would celebrate her strength and raise awareness for pediatric cancer patients. The first Superhero Day was conceived in February of that year, with students encouraged to wear superhero shirts to symbolize the courage of children fighting serious illnesses.

Since the initiative began the school has collected more than $3,000 for Katie Gives Back, and she has raised just over $5,000 in total. During Superhero Day on Friday, the school recognized “superhero” Katie as she shared her story with students who gathered in the auditorium.

“I had a rare blood disorder, but I wanted to give people more comfort,” Katie said to the School #2 students. “My mom would draw things on the windows to make me feel happier. My dad would bring me all these toys because I was so uncomfortable, and I couldn’t really eat because of the chemotherapy. After all these things, I just wanted to get back.

“I was isolated, couldn’t see my friends, and spent countless hours in the hospital,” Katie recalled. “My dad would take me on midnight walks, just to pro-

through the Katie Gives Back initiative are aimed at improving the quality of care and comfort for pediatric patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Stony Brook Cancer Center.

“I always had hope that she was gonna be okay,” Lori Patton said. “It was always just hard watching her having to endure the pain that went on along with it, like the pain of, you know, just medical procedures, or the pain of losing her hair or having chemo, the pain of like being away from her brother and friends.”

Doctors initially delivered a grim prognosis for Katie — not expecting her to live past 40 — but now a healthy Katie is actively sharing her story. She is considering creating a formal foundation for Katie Gives Back and speaks regularly at her high school about her experience. Teachers and staff alike have expressed deep admiration for Katie’s courage and the positive influence she has on the community.

“Miracles happen, and you really have to keep the faith,” Lori said. “My husband and I were huge advocates for Katie, because we were told things like, ‘You can’t have another child, because you might have another child that has this.’ We always advocated for her to have the best shot in life, and that was a

Panel discussion tackles alcohol-related cancer

ple we poll don’t believe that.” Murthy’s proposed warning is based on new research linking alcohol consumption with an increased risk for seven types of cancer.

“The evidence shows that alcohol increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colorectal region, and, notably, breast cancer,” said Dr. Rajiv Datta, medical director of the hospital’s cancer program and chair of the surgery department.

If Congress approves adding the warning, its impact could be dramatic: 54 percent of poll respondents said they generally believe warning labels on food and beverages. Seeing the warning in print could motivate the 20 percent — of the total number of respondents who said they drink — to follow through on their stated desire to reduce their alcohol consumption, and could also move the 63 percent of respondents who said they took part in “Dry January” or a similar challenge to continue their efforts to cut back.

Only 38 percent of poll respondents who made New Year’s resolutions said they included drinking less.

Citing data from 2020, Datta noted that alcohol was implicated in nearly 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually, with its impact on longevity being particularly alarming.

Dr. Pruthvi Patel, a liver specialist

The Optimum Theater, in Bethpage, hosted experts from Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital and Oceanside community leaders for a panel discussion on alcohol consumption and its link to cancer. From left were Joe Calderone, MSSN’s senior vice president of corporate communications; President Adhi Sharma; Rajiv Datta, medical director of the hospital’s cancer program and chair of the surgery department; Pruthvi Patel, associate program director of outpatient hepatology; Ali Eriksen, project coordinator of the Oceanside SAFE Coalition; and Dana Sanneman, the hospital’s vice president of public affairs and development.

and MSSN’s associate program director of outpatient hepatology, highlighted another critical point: the silent nature of liver damage.

“The liver does not have nerve endings,” Patel noted. “Patients can have significant liver damage from alcohol over the years without any obvious symptoms until the damage is severe.”

She explained that a standard drink — defined as containing 14 grams of pure alcohol — puts the same toxin load

on the liver, whether beer, wine or spirits. Patel urged moderation, recommending that women limit themselves to one drink over two hours, and men to no more than two drinks in the same period, ideally paired with food to help slow the absorption of alcohol.

Ali Eriksen, the project coordinator for the Oceanside SAFE Coalition, brought a community viewpoint to the discussion. The coalition, which focuses on drug-use prevention and awareness,

was founded in Oceanside in 2015.

“While messaging can be a powerful tool in reducing alcohol consumption, awareness alone is not enough,” Eriksen said.

She stressed that many people already know about the risks of alcohol, yet that awareness has not necessarily translated into behavioral change.

“It’s like trying to remove fish from a polluted pond,” Eriksen said. “We need to treat the pond itself by addressing the broader societal and environmental factors that contribute to harmful drinking habits.”

The discussion also touched on the importance of routine medical screenings. Despite the fact that liver function tests are part of any annual physical, Patel warned that many cases of chronic liver damage can go undetected until it is too late.

As the discussion concluded, the consensus was clear: reducing alcohol-related harm requires a united effort across multiple fronts.

“We are not suggesting that everyone must become abstinent,” Datta said. “But if you are going to drink, it should be done with full awareness of the risks, and ideally, in moderation.”

To get an alcohol screening at a testing center in your area, call the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, at (516) 747-2606 or visit its website, www.licadd.org.

Comedian Michael Palascak inspires students

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a morning that combined humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, comedian Michael Palascak visited Oceanside School Two on April 11. The nationally known performer — whose online presence boasts over 170,000 views on YouTube and his very own comedy special — was recognized as a visiting trailblazer and shared stories from his childhood, insights from his career, and his creative process in a presentation that left the students both laughing and inspired.

Palascak’s connection to Oceanside stems from his cousin, School Two student Lizzy Degron, who interviewed her cousin in front of her fellow students. She recalled the moment she suggested his involvement:

“Someone else in my class did a family Trailblazer, and I thought, oh my god, I should ask my cousin Michael Palascak to be a trailblazer. When we realized that he was coming, we got so excited.”

Degron added that her role in inviting Palascak not only deepened their family connection but also gave her a rare opportunity to interview with her cousin, a nationally known comedian, a moment that she described as both fun and memorable. Born in a small town in Indiana and now residing in California, Palascak’s journey into comedy began long before he ever took to the stage. Recalling his early days, he shared a candid memory.

“I was in second grade, and a teacher told me that my friend or told my friend that

he was really funny. And then I was like, No, I’m really funny.”

This early spark led him from school plays—where he once played roles as diverse as a shepherd, a pirate, and a police officer—to the comedy clubs and television studios of America. Palascak’s comedy career began unexpectedly during a summer break in college when he discovered local open mic nights in the Chicago area. His comedy has taken him far, performing for audiences of up to 3,000 people and creating a successful online presence.

Inspired by comedy legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Mitch Hedberg, Palascak devel-

oped a comedic style that stays true to his authentic self. His material has evolved alongside his life experiences, transitioning from college-focused jokes to stories about travel and now, fatherhood as a 42-year-old dad.

Palascak’s path was not without challenges; he recalled performing stand-up in college, describing his commitment as “two years of practice and not giving up” before turning laughter into his career. During his presentation, Palascak offered an inside look at his creative process.

“What I do is, I just sort of go about my day, and then something happens that

makes me laugh, and I write it down on a piece of paper.”

Palascak’s career highlights include television appearances, such as his stint on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2010, followed by performances on Late Show with David Letterman, which were breakthrough moments that led to more high-profile opportunities.

“It was very fun, because normal shows people just come to the show, but TV shows, people come to the show and they tell them to laugh really hard,” he said jokingly. “So I knew I was going to do well because they were being told to laugh.”

Palascak maintains a rigorous touring schedule, performing across multiple states including New Hampshire, New Jersey, and California. When asked about comedy’s challenges, Palascak emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity while being mindful of not “punching down”avoiding jokes that might mock less fortunate individuals. He admires contemporary comedians like Bill Burr and continues to evolve his craft. Palascak further explained his philosophy on pursuing one’s passion:

“I think the most important thing to try something new or different is to know that it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or at the top,” he said. “The most important thing is doing the thing that you want to do.”

Fans can follow Michael Palascak’s comedy journey through his Instagram and YouTube channels, where he continues to share his unique comedic perspective.

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

Courtesy Oceanside School District

Oceanside School Two student, Lizzy Degron, interviewed her cousin, comedian Michael Palascak, who visited the elementary school on April 11.

It’s Ferretti vs. Scianablo for town supervisor

By MELISSA BERMAN & JEFFREY BESSEN of the Herald

Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, a Republican, will face off against Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo for Hempstead town supervisor.

Both are replacement candidates, because incumbent Supervisor Don Clavin, a Republican, and his expected Democratic opponent, Justin Brown, both declined their parties’ nominations. There are reports that Clavin will run for a county court judgeship on this year’s ballot.

Ferretti, a Levittown resident, has served as a county legislator for over seven years, and he highlighted his efforts to control the tax burden for Nassau County residents.

“The committee looked for someone who is a proven tax slayer, helped make Nassau County the safest in the United States, fought antisemitism and hate in general, is involved in the community and with his family, and has been a lifelong resident of the Town of Hempstead,” Joe Cairo, the Nassau County Republican Committee chairman, said at the April 10 announcement.

Scianablo, a Garden City resident, brings a career of leadership, integrity and compassion, according to the county Democratic Party, having served in the Marines in Iraq and as a New York City police officer. Most recently he was

an assistant district attorney in Queens.

Raised in what was described as a working-class family, Scianablo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996. After his military service, he joined the NYPD, in which his focus was domestic violence. After retiring he earned his law degree, and dedicated his legal career to justice and public safety.

“Public service isn’t only what you do, it’s who you are. I’ve served my country, my city, and my community — and I’m ready to serve the people of

Hempstead,” Scianablo said in a news release. “I’m running to lower the tax burden, clean up our broken infrastructure, and bring transparency back to Town Hall.”

Ferretti highlighted his work to stop antisemitism and hate crimes, enhance resources for police and protect women.

“When you decide to run for elected office, you do it because you want to make a different in people’s lives,” he said. “I feel I have the experience in both the private sector and government

that qualifies me for this position. In government, I have both administrative and legislative experience.”

The Democrats highlighted the town’s 12.1 percent property tax increase, pay raises for top officials and long-neglected infrastructure problems as the issues they are aiming to resolve.

“Joe Scianablo is exactly the kind of leader Hempstead needs right now,” County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said in the release. “His courage, character, and deep commitment to public service make him the right candidate to take on the status quo. Joe has spent his life protecting others — he’ll bring that same fierce dedication to fighting for every family in Hempstead.”

The Republicans focused on Ferretti’s two local landmark laws, Fairness for Women and Girls in Sports and the Mask Transparency Act.

“Nassau Legislator John Ferretti has distinguished himself as a county legislator, holding the line on taxes every year and even reducing the tax burden for Nassau homeowners,” Cairo said. Scianablo’s campaign aims to focus on lifting up working families. “I’ve never backed down from a fight — and I won’t back down from the fight for the people of Hempstead,” he said in the release. “This town deserves a leader who shows up, stands tall, and delivers real results. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Herald file photos

John Ferretti, left, a Republican Nassau County legislator, and Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo are the candidates for Hempstead town supervisor.

Senior Health & Beyond Expo series kicks off

By Anna Graci

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully launched the first event in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, presented by Nassau University Medical Center, on Friday, April 4, at the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center in East Meadow. This free community event drew hundreds of attendees, including seniors, families, and caregivers, eager to learn about the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements, and essential health resources.

The expo featured a vibrant lineup of educational vendors and interactive activities, ensuring that attendees were both entertained and informed. “It was an incredible turnout,” said Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at RichnerLIVE.

A key highlight of the day was the “Stop the Bleed” training session led by Nassau University Medical Center’s Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS, the hospital’s director of community outreach. This national campaign teaches people how to control severe bleeding in emergency situations before medical help arrives. The presentation emphasized the importance of immediate action in improving survival rates.

The crowd also enjoyed a dose of humor during a comedy show featuring comedian Larry Izzo.

Attendees were given complimentary swag bags sponsored by Silver Lining Homecare. A 10-minute guided exercise session by Excel Homecare Inc. helped get audience members’ blood pumping, while SightGrowth Partners offered eye test screenings.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nassau University Medical Center, and our program sponsors — PSEG Long Island, Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the NYS Department of Public Service Long Island, and the Sid Jacobson JCC — for their vital support.

Please visit our website to view our photo gallery from April 4: www.richnerlive.com/seniorexpo/2025senior-health-beyond-expo-of-long-island-photo-gallery.

Join us for the next Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo for 2025, which will be held on May 22 at the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For a full list of Expos, go to liherald.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Keynote speaker Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS; from Nassau University Medical Center.

Hundreds attended the first of seven 2025 Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expos.

Victoria Schickley and Nicole Hall of PSEG L.I.

Janette Lebron, Pablo Rendon, Michelle Chan and Jess Dunbar of the Parker Jewish Institute For Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Laura LaFauci of Amber Court Assisted Living.

Ryan Lynch and Diana Arevalo, NY Cancer & Blood specialists.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Lekeisha Hall, Lisa Boris and Joy Gardener of Excel Homecare Inc.

Speaker Michelle Gibson of the Sid Jacobson JCC. Stephanie Penza, Dr. Brian Berliner and Aisha Vazquez; SightMD.

Livia Stachura, Bestern Tiryaki and Ambar Bello of Prine Health.

Micah Schlendorf and Laura Racioppi of Suffolk Federal Credit Union.

Manuel Sepulveda of WellCare. Victoria Caputo of Family and Children’s Association.

Jamie Rossi and Christine Rossi of I Love Hearing, in East Meadow.

Manuel Mathew and Jill Wasser of the NYS Public Service Commission of Long Island.

Regina Khaimov and Anne Marie Fragkoulis of the Margaret Tietz Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Patricia Barna of ClearCaptions.

Danielle Aglio and Trudy Losee; Blue Island Homes. Tiffany Balanoff of Douglas Elliman RVC.

Math counts How to raise an independent learner

Success in mathematics, as most of us are aware, has been linked to success in college and future careers.

Every student studies mathematics, and it has always been an important component in education. It is a tool that helps us make sense of the world around us, and it is particularly important because success in mathematics has been linked to success in college and future careers. Simply stated, math counts when it comes to a bright future.

“The deluge of data that children encounter in their daily lives makes it even more important that they build strong math and statistics skills,” says education expert Dr. Richard Bavaria.“This flood of information contains good data and bad. “Good skills in math and statistics can equip your child with the ability to discern valid data from misleading data, and to make intelligent decisions based on factual data.”

Dr. Bavaria offers these helpful tips that parents can use to bridge the gap between fear of math and the vibrant essential world of numbers that are so important in our daily lives.

Validate It: Don’t be a parent who says “I was never good at math.” It only sends the wrong message that “math is hard”; and it has null value. Instead, stress that math is something that has to be learned by putting time

and effort into it like anything else.

Add It Up: Point out math in everyday life. Make sure your child knows that math is relevant, whether it’s figuring out how long a road trip will take or making a grocery budget. Think aloud and let your child see you work out everyday math problems.

Multiply it: Find the resources that will help your child acquire the math skills he or she needs. There are plenty of resources available geared to teaching and building math skills for students of all ages. You’ll find everything from entertaining math tricks to multiplication shortcuts to practice sessions.

Solve It: Get help, if needed, before it’s too late.

While classroom learning may be enough for one child, it may not be enough for another. Supplemental math instruction from a professional source can provide the one-on-one attention that is sometimes missing from a busy classroom. Giving a child the time and opportunity to ask questions and learn math at their own pace can open doors of understanding and eventually provide them with the confidence they need to learn in a classroom setting.

Photo: Encouraging a love for math in children is essential for critical thinking skills and to set them up for life success.

Full speed ahead

Proven practices to win the race against aging

Naps, knitting and nuzzling with the grandchildren — the traditional image of retirement is being challenged by the more than 76 million baby boomers in the United States.

This vibrant generation wants to make the most out of their golden years, and while hobbies and time with grandkids are a priority, they want more. To do so, we know that a proactive approach to health and wellness is a must.

Matt Johnson, a health and performance expert, admires the tenacity boomers — and all seniors — exhibit when it comes to maintaining their health and well-being. He suggests these incredibly simple, yet powerful ways to age healthfully, and keep those engines revving at peak performance, no matter how vintage the model.

Take advantage of pit stops

“Lack of sleep is the fastest way to age the human body,” says Johnson.

“Additionally, adequate sleep is extremely important for a healthy brain. Deep REM sleep allows the mind to rejuvenate. Memory, creativity and cognitive function get refreshed in this stage of sleep.”

He recommends three steps to achieve quality sleep. First, go to bed at the correct time to achieve eight hours of sleep. Second, unplug and avoid digital devices that put out stimulating blue light. Third, add the relaxing mineral magnesium to your routine by taking an Epsom salt bath or foot bath once a week.

Fuel your machine

“I like to tell people to think of nutrition as fuel for the body; without the correct fuel, the engine and components can’t work correctly,” says Johnson. “The most critical nutrients that boomers don’t get enough of are supergreens and omega-3s.

We know we all need to eat more green veggies, but did you know that up to 91 percent of the American population is deficient in omega-3s?”

Get an oil change

Some oils are considered healthy and others

cause health problems. Johnson recommends you reevaluate the types of oils you use.

Add:

√ Use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for salad dressings, baking and low-temperature sautéing.

√ Consider avocado oil. With its high smoke point, it’s ideal for high-heat cooking techniques like frying and sautéing. Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats, carotenoids, and other antioxidant-rich nutrients that are linked to improved heart, skin, and eye health.

Remove:

√ Vegetable oils like canola and soybean, which are heavily processed and often made with GMOs.

Rev your engines daily

“The benefits of exercise are endless, but the underdog benefit is how it makes us feel and think,” says Johnson. “You should move your body if you want to stay sharp and happy.”

Find an exercise program you enjoy, he suggests. “Exercise is the fountain of youth, but you shouldn’t do something you don’t like. Make sure you move your body daily. If you are looking for suggestions, think about hiring a trainer to learn a set program. I think focusing on form and technique over intensity is the first step.”

Schedule regular maintenance checks

“Play offense instead of defense with your health,” says Johnson. “Modern medicine is better than ever at early detection and treatment.”

The key is to focus on prevention. “Use annual doctor visits to screen, ask questions and monitor your risk factors. Remember, you can only get good answers if you ask good questions,” he says.

Finally, Johnson reminds people that antiaging doesn’t exist. “We are all aging — the key is to age well. This means to aspire to quality of life. We all have motivators in our life: kids, grandkids, spouses, careers, passions, etc. Without your health, none of these can be enjoyed to the fullest.”

Long live the brain

Activities you can do at home that help boost brain health

By Kristen Castillo

We all know that it’s important to keep your brain sharp as you age.

“In order to engage our brains for an ideal level of challenge, we should aim for something that is new, novel and challenging to maximize our effort — grow our brains, new neurons and strengthen our neuronal networks,” says certified brain health coach Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC and an Atlantic fellow for Equity in Brain Health.

Dr. Culler says brain health is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent genetics. She encourages people to think about brain fitness the same way they think about physical exercise. That means giving your brain a 15- to 20-minute daily workout, adding up to at least two hours a week.

Read on for easy ways to stimulate your brain.

Game On!

Playing games — whether it’s chess, puzzles, Mah Jongg or computer games, such as Words With Friends or Wordle — may help your brain to stay engaged.

For example, smartphone apps can be an entertaining and challenging activity for the brain. One app, Elevate, uses artificial intelligence to create custom exercises for each user, tailored to their personal goals.

In a four-week study of 125 Elevate users, conducted for the game company by a researcher at California State University, Stanislaus, and Nichols Research, Inc., participants who had access to Elevate games and training exercises improved their test scores “69 percent more than the control group, which did not have access to the games and exercises.”

While research on the overall benefits of cognitive games is mixed, one study shows participants may get good at a mind-stimulating activity, such as crosswords, even if those gaming skills don’t transfer to other brain health, like attention to problem-solving.

Still, that doesn’t mean the activity isn’t valuable. You can have a healthier, happier life by participating in games and activities you enjoy.

Read, Read, Read

Challenge your brain with reading but mix up your habits.

Dr. Culler suggests reading a different section of the newspaper than you usually would or reading a new book or magazine. Next, read some passages out loud, which she says can activate different areas of your brain.

Read with the intent to share the message with friends. You will be more mindful and process the information differently.

Set New Goals

Try new things. Set an intention to do something new, such as visiting museums, attending talks, etc., for the next week or month. Map it out and invite a friend. Dr. Culler says both the planning process and socialization have brain benefits, too.

Meditate

Clearing your mind can be good for your brain as well.

“Set aside time daily to cool your brain, practice mindfulness or meditate,” says Dr. Culler. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain. If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.”

She recommends starting with a few minutes of meditation a day and working up to 20 minutes or longer.

Photo: Meditation can help calm the brain

Photo: Regular exercise is pivotal to looking and feeling great at every age — and especially in our older years.

There is a public health threat looming across the United States that’s not visible to most but affects nearly half of all Americans daily: loneliness. Social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as harmful as obesity.

It’s always been an issue among the aging population, but it’s become even more prevalent as a silent epidemic during and in the years following the pandemic. Seniors can suffer from prolonged loneliness that can quickly manifest into more serious issues.

Worst of all, loneliness is a contributing factor in senior suicides, which are rising in the U.S. While it is not something people like to think about, now more than ever, Americans must remove the stigma around mental health and spread awareness to better combat loneliness.

Loneliness does not have to be synonymous with getting older or with aging in place. Make an effort keep loneliness and its negative health effects at bay.

Intervene early: Spotting loneliness in yourself or someone you love can be difficult. The most common physical and behavioral signs of loneliness include persistent sadness, impaired cognitive performance, lower self-esteem, or lack of motivation and energy. Early intervention can positively

Older and lonely A public health threat that’s not much talked about

affect one’s quality of life, so it’s important to address these symptoms as soon as possible before they become overwhelming.

Leverage technology: Technology can play a key role in reducing loneliness, ensuring seniors are always connected to loved ones and care teams who can monitor and

is having a positive impact on their lives, allowing them to communicate with family more often, reconnect with old friends, keep up with community developments and stay connected with others who share similar interests. And since the start of the pandemic, zooming with loved ones and friends.

Phone applications also represent major advancements in technology that help both seniors and caregivers in a number of ways. With any basic smartphone, seniors can now keep track of things like whether or not they’ve taken their medication, monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiration, as well as keep track of their location and help them navigate where they want to go.

Make a connection: Connecting with people, purpose and passions will help eliminate feelings of isolation. Consider organizing a reoccurring social gathering, such as a book club or a group fitness class. Explore local activities organized by your library or senior community center.

interact with them.

Over the last few years, older adults have made up the fastest growing segment of the online population. More and more people over the age of 60 are going online and connecting with the world. They are emailing, texting and even blogging, and it

Photo: Too much time alone can be bad for your health. It’s important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.

Moving from Sick Care to Well Care

Catholic Health is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, with several award-winning hospitals situated in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Yet the ultimate measure of a great health care system is how well it does at preempting the need for hospitalization. Catholic Health is working to do just that by expanding its network of preventive Primary Care practices all across Long Island.

“When you enter into a long-term relationship with a Primary Care Provider, your doctor gets to know who you are,” says Anthony Ardito, MD, Chairman of Catholic Health’s Primary Care Service Line. “People want their doctors to truly understand their health history as well as their preferences.”

Besides ensuring that you receive your preventative health screenings—such as mammogram and colonoscopy—Primary Care Providers will monitor you at regular intervals for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index and more.

“By knowing a patient for years, we can detect early changes in a person’s condition, then work with the patient to ensure for early detection and an appropriate response,” says Dr. Ardito. “That’s the kind of health care that’s going to keep people out of the hospital and add many more healthy

years to their lives.”

Catholic Health has recruited many hundreds of Primary Care Providers to its physician network, situating them in convenient community-based medical office buildings across its Long Island footprint. Some are single practices, while many are part of the health system’s network of Catholic Health Ambulatory Care sites. These outpatient care facilities bring together Primary Care Providers and various clinical specialists—such as cardiologists,

neurologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, orthopedists and pain management specialists—under one roof.

“We’ve launched well over 20 Catholic Health Ambulatory Care sites throughout Long Island, stretching from Queens to Riverhead,” says Chief Medical Officer Jason Golbin, DO. “Each site is a multispecialty hub. So if your Primary Care physician detects it may be time to see a specialist, there’s one right down the hall, fully partnered with Catholic Health, and easily

able to access your medical records and test results. Our Catholic Health physicians work as a unified team to ensure that the care you receive is coordinated to produce the most optimal outcomes with the least amount of stress.”

Beyond their many convenient locations, Catholic Health Primary Care physicians are also available through online messaging, two-way texting and video visits with their patients.

To schedule a consultation with a Catholic Health Primary Care provider near you, call (866) MY-LI-DOC or visit CatholicHealthLI.org and click on the “Find a Doctor” tab at the top of the screen, which lets you sort by specialty or location. You can even schedule an appointment online.

Catholic Health is growing—expanding Primary Care, Urgent Care and multispecialty Ambulatory Care locations across the region. Quality care, close to home.

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Catholic Health has convenient preventive Primary Care practices throughout Long Island.

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s

While you are hopefully getting wiser as you get older, your immune system is weakening, increasing your risk for severe cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, or shingles. These diseases can lead to extended hospitalization or even death. While vaccination does not guarantee you will not get sick, getting vaccinated almost certainly will make your illness less severe, especially for individuals 65 and above. The fix is an easy one: get vaccinated!

Approximately 25,000 to 50,000 U.S. adults aged 65 and older die every year from complications caused by vaccine-preventable viral illnesses. This is more than the deaths attributed to breast cancer, traffic accidents and HIV/AIDS combined. Many of those who died were unvaccinated. During your annual checkup, be sure to speak with your doctor and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations.

During the 2023-2024 flu season, adults 65 and older accounted for more than 50 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 72 percent of flu-related deaths. Meanwhile, adults 65 and older accounted for approximately twothirds of all COVID-19-associated hospitalizations from October 2023 to April 2024, while those 75 and older accounted for approximately 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths. These data are especially compelling in older adults with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes.

As for measles, which is increasing in prevalence across the country, there have been four cases in New York State so far this year—one in Suffolk County and three in New York City. As of Thursday, March 13, of the 373 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States, 86 (21 percent) involved individuals above age 20, and 11 of those cases required hospitalization. Approximately 2 of every 1,000 adults who contract measles die.

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau, says people born before 1957 are presumed to be immune and don’t require a MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination or testing to see if they are immune. However, if they know they are not immune because of work related testing or other reasons, vaccination might be appropriate. “People born during or after 1957 who are traveling to

a high-risk area who do not have evidence of immunity to measles (which can be determined by a blood test ordered by your physician to assess your antibody levels or vaccination status or by your immunization records) should get the vaccination,” Dr. Glatt added.

Infectious disease experts also recommend that people born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 consider getting a single additional vaccine dose, as the vaccine used from 1963 to 1967 has proven not to be as effective or long-lasting as the current MMR vaccine. When in doubt, ask your doctor! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most people over age 65 get the following immunizations:

• Shingles vaccine: Shingles can be a very painful rash that can last for months. The CDC recommends the vaccine Shingrix for healthy adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles.

• RSV vaccine: Respiratory syncytial virus infections are often mild but can be serious for older people, especially those above 75 and for those 60 and older with underlying

conditions such as heart or lung disease.

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal disease can include pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. There are several vaccines available, and you should discuss with your doctor which one is most appropriate for you, based on any prior pneumococcal vaccinations and your age. The current recommendation is for all people over 50 to receive a pneumococcal vaccine, as well as those 18 years and older with significant underlying medical conditions.

• Annual flu vaccine: It remains the very best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough): Everyone needs to get the Tdap vaccine at least once. After getting a Tdap vaccine, get a Td vaccine every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

• COVID-19 vaccine: How often you should receive this vaccine to reduce your risk and others from getting severe COVID-19 will also vary greatly based upon your underlying health, age, and when your most

recent COVID-19 illness was. Discuss this with your doctor.

• Hepatitis B vaccine: The CDC recommends this for all adults ages 19 to 59 who do not have natural immunity to hepatitis B, and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors for hepatitis B. If you are 60 and older and don’t have known risk factors, it’s okay to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it.

If you’re not up to date on your vaccinations, Dr. Glatt says to see your physician to set up a schedule to get them. If you haven’t received the annual flu or COVID-19 vaccination, you can get one at the Vaxmobile, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education Health Screenings and Wellness outreach effort, which will be at the following senior centers:

April

• 4/24 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 4/29 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May

• 5/1 – Long Beach Library, Long Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/6 – Hispanic Brotherhood, Hempstead, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/13 – Nassau County Senior Birthday Party at the Old Barn Bethpage, Restoration Village, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/15 – Baldwin Library, Baldwin, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/20 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/22 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or send an email to vaxmobile@snch.org.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

STEPPING OUT

Local filmmaker debuts ‘Godless’

Michael Ricigliano is in the spotlight

By Iris Wiener

Filmmaker Michael Ricigliano writes what he knows, and there is nothing he knows better than Long Island. His roots are certainly evident through his creative vision in his latest feature, “Godless,” which is now streaming on multiple platforms.

Starring Harry Lennix (“The Blacklist”) and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”), “Godless” explores the turbulent intersection of faith and politics. Ricigliano makes his directing debut with the film after having turned heads as a playwright (“A Queen for a Day”) and screenwriter (“The Brooklyn Banker”). He shot it in Huntington and Great Neck, only a stone’s throw away from where he grew up in Garden City.

“I think that for any writer, your own personal experiences craft how you see the world,” he says. “Growing up on Long Island, meeting the many people and remembering conversations with them, plus the stories my family would tell me about how they grew up. It all affects my work.”

Ricigliano is easily able to draw from Long Island’s “flavor,” as he is firmly entrenched in numerous communities.

Ricigliano’s father moved to Uniondale from Brooklyn in the early 1940s, and stayed until 1985; at age 15, his family moved to Garden City. Ricigliano went to private schools in Uniondale and Old Westbury, then going to law school at Hofstra where he played lacrosse. For the past 20 years, Ricigliano and his family have resided in Locust Valley. He has never left Long Island!

It wasn’t until Ricigliano was 40 that he began to write; a real estate lawyer who counsels with Spano Abstract Service Corp. (“an incredibly supportive company”) he began writing on a whim when he realized that he had an idea for a short film based on stories he heard from his family when he was very young in Brooklyn. Despite never having taken a film class, his screenplay for “The Brooklyn Banker” was picked up by Federico Castaluccio (of “The Sopranos” fame), and made into a feature length film starring Paul Sorvino.

“Everything I write is based off of things that have happened in my life and that I have experienced in my Catholic upbringing,” he says of how he began working on “Godless,” which centers on a devout Catholic governor (Ortiz) who is excommunicated after signing a progressive bill into law. “Godless” is about the crisis of faith that she endures when her religious beliefs contrast with her ambitions.

“Canon law is something I have always been fascinated with,” says Ricigliano. “From there it merged into the process of an excommunication. I wanted to explore the political fallout of her getting excommunicated when she wants to become president, as well as what’s happening with the bishop (Lennix) who has gone to the next step because the church is very politically driven as well.”

Ricigliano’s mother first suggested that her son shoot his directorial debut at Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

“We had the ability to use the chapel and the church, the hallways, the high ceilings, the offices which were from a different era, the beautiful grounds. It was all there,” he says. “It was beautiful and magnificent.”

The number of ways in which Ricigliano is creative are endless. He is also an accomplished pop artist who has shown his work at galleries (one of his pieces adorns a set in “Godless”) and a musician. Some of his original songs can be heard in the film.

“I have a mantra: Create every day,” he says thoughtfully. “I try and do something every day and I look forward to it, whether it’s art, writing or playing guitar. Doing this has become ingrained in me. It’s a passion.”

Ricigliano’s next film is based on the play “The Court of Oyer and Terminer,” and is also set to star Lennix. The story is about a retired judge from Nassau County who lives in the city and has dementia. He hopes to shoot scenes in Manhasset and other nearby areas.

“Long Island is one of the greatest places to live on the planet,” he says excitedly as he looks to the future. “The nature, the history, the architecture, some of the court houses. The resources that we have and the people are magnificent. We worked with the Nassau County and the Suffolk County Film Commissions for ‘Godless’ and they were so helpful.”

Ricigliano hopes that “Godless,” which can be streamed on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Fandango, makes people want to talk.

“Any of the issues within can’t be one way or the other. People have certain beliefs that are instilled in them. In today’s society, a lot of times, people don’t want to listen. They just yell at each other. Hopefully this film will open up more of a dialogue. We’re all fallible. At the end of the day, the movie is about forgiveness and understanding. All I want is for people to walk out and say, ‘Okay. But I understand what the other person is saying.’”

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know it, we’ll be back on the beach; meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band keep the vibe going with their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds for over a decade, Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Jazzin’ with Wynton Marsalis

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, takes listeners on a thrilling ride with Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces. Hear fascinating new works composed and orchestrated by composers and Big Band leaders of today, including Miho Hazama, Darcy James Argue, Helen Sung, Jihye Lee. The concert also feature newly commissioned works by George DeLancey, Leo Steinriede, and Steven Feifke — that reflect the depth and breadth of the Big Band tradition. With music direction by Marsalis and Steven Feifke, expect an evening of fresh takes and exploratory sounds from the acclaimed orchestra. Feel the vibe of thrilling works that ignite the senses with spontaneity, virtuosity and an unwavering passion.

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy Michael Ricigliano

Ana Ortiz and Harry Lennix appear in “Godless,” which captures the collision of politics and faith.

Harry Lennix as Bishop Reginald Roland.

Director-writer Michael Ricigliano with Without a Net producers Elyssa Rabinowitz and Vincent Petrosini at the film’s premiere.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 18

‘Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!’

The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City.

•Time: Also April 19, April 23-24, times vary

•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.

•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Little Learners’ Earth Day

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration. Families will enjoy a heartwarming fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling. With an Earthinspired craft project. For ages 2-5. Registration required.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

•Time: 10-11 a.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

APR

19

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required.

APR

26

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Tickets are $49.50, $37.50, $35, $25.

•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

• Time: noon-3 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt

Old Westbury Gardens invites families to celebrate the season. Enjoy a day of exploration strolling the gardens in search of colorful egg signs hidden throughout the grounds. Find them all and return to Westbury House to claim a special gift.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.

•Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or (516) 333-0048

APR 22

Shred Unwanted Documents

Russo Law Group hosts an Earth Day Shred event to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents. All shredding handled by Arrow Transfer & Storage. Attend Fraud Awareness workshops at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

•Where: 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd #102, Garden City;

250 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach.

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

•Contact: vjrussolaw.com

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. 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.). Tech help is by appointment only. Sessions are limited to a maximum of once a month per patron.

•Where: 30 Davison Ave.

•Time: 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon.

•Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

APR

23

Voices wanted The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members to sing in its “Opera or Popera” concert on June 8.

Voices are needed in all sections. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., the Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside.

•Where: 3252 Fulton Ave.

Cottage. Registration required.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

•Contact: OldWestburyGardens. org or (516) 333-0048

MAY

Friedberg JCC Gala

4

Save the date for the Friedberg JCC Gala at Temple Avodah. Honorees include Fred Richman, Allan Carlton, Stefanie Hanlon, Melissa Chizzik-Schnall, and Melissa Lobel. More information will follow closer to the date. Registration required.

•Where: 3050 Oceanside Road

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Contact: friedbergjcc.org

MAY

8

•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

•Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 764-2787, email fxdefontes@hotmail.com or oceansidechorale.com

APR

24

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-to-peer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year. Registration required.

•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre.

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

MAY

Storybook Stroll

3

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and listen to “Jane Austen: Little People Big Dreams” by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched

Hispanic Brotherhood, Inc. Hosts Annual Scholarship Dinner

Hispanic Brotherhood, Inc. holds its Annual Scholarship Dinner at Temple Avodah. Outstanding individuals honored include Mr. & Mrs. M. Cavallo, proprietors of Churrasqueira Bairrada Restaurant; Honorable Emilio F. Grillo, Trustee of Rockville Centre; Honorable Michael McGinty, Mayor of Island Park; Honorable Debra Mule, Nassau County Legislator; Bill Maniera, President of the Rockville Centre Lions Club; Dahyr Ifranz, President of the Long Island Latino Teachers Association; and real estate-insurance broker Herminia Bonilla. Proceeds support the After School Tutorial Program. Individual tickets are $225, with a tax-exempt portion of $90.

•Where: 3050 Oceanside Road

•Time: 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner

• Contact: (516) 766-6610

Having an event?

Items on The Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

NCC faculty union claims contract violations

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Faculty tensions at Nassau Community College escalated last week after Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti announced that she would not submit faculty names for tenure, promotion or sabbatical to the college’s board of trustees until a new contract agreement is reached — despite the fact that the current contract is in effect until Aug. 31.

The announcement, made at the April 3 general faculty meeting, drew sharp criticism from the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. Union leaders claim the decision circumvents provisions of the existing collective bargaining agreement, particularly those related to faculty advancement during the final year of a signed contract.

“Our faculty was absolutely stunned to learn that NCC has unilaterally chosen to deny these standard promotions, sabbaticals and tenure positions to our hardworking professors,” David Stern, the acting NCCFT president, said. “This is truly unprecedented, and demonstrates why NCC and the board of trustees are losing confidence and enrollment while slashing programs and mismanaging our finances.”

Jessica Harris, attorney for the union, said that the administration is legally obligated to follow the recommendations of committees, composed of faculty members and an administrator, that approve faculty members’ advancement and sabbaticals.

“NCC administrators have no legal basis to refuse to consider the committees’ recommendations for promotions and sabbaticals,” Harris said. “If the administration persists in its refusal to inform the board of trust-

The Nassau

ees of the committees’ recommendations, in flagrant disregard of the CBA, we will explore all legal options.”

Speaking on behalf of the administration, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of the Office of Community and Governmental Relations, pushed back against the union’s claims. He said the accusation that the administration is violating the collective bargaining agreement is a “false narrative,” emphasizing that the college is operating under the current 2021–25 contract.

According to Kornbluth, union representatives have not responded to invitations to begin discussions of the 2025–26 contract. He also noted that faculty members must meet “certain standards,” depending on the promotion they are seeking, with evaluations

conducted by the committees. Once approved, nominations are forwarded to the president.

“Until there is a conversation about the contract for 2025–26, those promotions, sabbaticals and tenure don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 — under the new contract,” Kornbluth said. “The contract acts on Aug. 31; a new one, whether there is a negotiated one or not, kicks in on Sept. 1.”

Many faculty members have already completed the formal review process and received committee approval. The union accuses the administration of stalling contractual obligations and blocking professional advancement at a time when many professors face increased financial strain due to the rising cost of living.

Kornbluth said that when no formal contract is in place, the college operates under a memorandum of agreement signed by both the administration and the union. That agreement allows the president to move faculty nominations forward for board approval.

Stern said that 15 faculty members had been recommended by their respective committees. “There has been virtually no dialogue or willingness by Ms. Conzatti or her administration,” he said.

The faculty organized a gathering on April 8 in the CCB building. Organizers said the event aimed to draw public attention to the ongoing contract and personnel disputes.

“In all my years that I’ve been at the college — which is 50 — there has never been a time that somebody who is nominated for promotion, sabbatical or tenure did not get it,” Kornbluth said. “This is all about trying to make the president, the administration look bad.”

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and we’re excited to continue supporting your journey in real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or dreaming of your next home, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Herald file photo

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF Nassau, PHH Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Theresa M. Mysak, as heir, devisee, distributee, of The Estate of Rita Marchi, deceased, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2861 Willard Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 518 and Lot 420. Approximate amount of judgment is $455,894.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600666/2020.

Brian Carmody, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152403

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST BENTZION R. KAMINETZKY, SHARONTH C. KAMINETZKY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 11, 2025, 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 May 5, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 3365 3rd Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land,

with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 43, Block 354, Lot 46. Approximate amount of judgment $553,894.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616025/2023. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001253 84926 152565

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION & BUDGET VOTE OF OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the annual school district election and budget vote of the qualified voters of Oceanside Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, NY, will be held on May 20, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Merle Avenue School #6 gymnasium, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, for the following purposes:

a) to vote upon the annual School budget for the school year 2025-2026 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District, which shall be in substantially the following form: PROPOSITION 1OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET FOR 2025-2026

RESOLVED, that the statement of estimated expenses (budget) presented by the Board of Education of Oceanside Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the School Year 2025-2026 in the amount of $186,704,215 for the purposes stated, be and same is approved, and said total amount, exclusive of public monies and other lawful income shall be raised by the levy on the taxable property within the school district and collected during the ensuing year as provided by law.

b) to elect one Board member to fill the vacancy due to expiration of the term of Michael D’Ambrosio for a new term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028; c) to elect one Board member to fill the vacancy due to expiration of the term of Robert Transom for a new term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028; d) to vote upon the following proposition:

PROPOSITION 2OCEANSIDE LIBRARY PROPOSITION FOR 2025-2026

The annual appropriation for Library services of $7,607,143 heretofore authorized by the voters is hereby increased by the amount of $499,489 for a total annual appropriation of $8,106,632 for each year commencing July 1, 2025, together with the Library’s designated share of any payments by LIPA pursuant to a settlement under case index #403754/2016, representing the amount necessary for Library services pursuant to the written contract between the Board of Education of the Oceanside Union Free School District and the Oceanside Library.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines and the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Elections adopted by the Board of Education.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Budget Hearing will be held in the Oceanside School #6 auditorium, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the Education Law. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the 2025-2026 school year for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies will be made available, upon request, to any District resident at each

schoolhouse from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the fourteen days preceding said election, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, at such budget hearing and annual election, and on the District website. ?

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of Board of Education member, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 49 qualified voters of the District, shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the name and residence of each signer, must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, including length of term of office and name of last incumbent, and must be filed in the District Clerk’s Office, Administration Building, 145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. not later than the 30th day preceding the election, this year, April 21, 2025, and on April 21, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 122 qualified voters of the District and filed in the District Clerk’s Office from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., not

later than the 30th day preceding the election at which such question or proposition is to be voted upon, this year, April 21, 2025, and on April 21, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except that this rule shall not apply to those propositions which are required to be published or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special District election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that registration of the qualified voters for said annual District election is permitted in the District Clerk’s Office, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, up to and including Thursday, May 15, 2025. A register will be prepared and will be filed in the District Clerk’s office and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each of the five days before the election, except Sunday, and by appointment from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, and at the polling place on Election Day. The register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who have registered for any annual or special District election and who have voted at any annual or special District election held within the four calendar years (2021-2024) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of Nassau County.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots or early mail ballots are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections and may be obtained by visiting the State Education Department’s Website (https://www.counsel.n ysed.gov/miscellaneous ), or by contacting the District Clerk by email (jkraemer@oceansidesc hools.org), or phone (516-678-1226). Completed applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be

received at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to his or her designated agent. Applications will not be accepted before April 21, 2025. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received in the District Clerk’s office not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 to be canvassed. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available for inspection in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 p.m. except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the Saturday prior to the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, any person serving in the military, including spouses and dependents, may register to vote in the upcoming school district election. A military voter who is a qualified voter of the school district may obtain a registration form by contacting the District Clerk by telephone (516-678-1226), facsimile (516-678-2145), email (jkraemer@oceansidesc hools.org), mail (145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572), or in person from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A military voter who is duly registered may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application form from the District Clerk. Completed applications must be personally delivered or mailed to the District Clerk and received no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. Completed military ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025 if signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto with a date which is not later than the day before the election, or not later than the close of the polls on May 20, 2025 if showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another

agency of the United States Government. A military voter may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration form, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail in the request for such registration, ballot application, or ballot. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board will convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the election for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports and declaring the result of the election; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, §2019-a(2b) at said special meeting of the Board.

Dated: March 14, 2025 Oceanside, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK Justan Kraemer District Clerk 152436

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR OCEANSIDE UNION FREE, PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual del distrito escolar y la votación del presupuesto de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Oceanside Union Free, pueblo de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se realizará el 20 de mayo de 2025, desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m. en el gimnasio de la escuela n.º 6 de Merle Avenue, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, Nueva York, con los siguientes propósitos: a) Votar sobre el presupuesto anual de la escuela para el año escolar 2025-2026 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a

tributación del distrito, que será razonablemente de la siguiente forma: PROPUESTA 1: PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR OCEANSIDE UNION FREE PARA 2025-2026 SE RESUELVE que la declaración de los gastos estimados (presupuesto) presentada por la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Oceanside Union Free, pueblo de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de Nueva York, para el año escolar 2025-2026 sea y se apruebe por el monto de $186,704,215 para los fines establecidos, y que, dicho monto total, sin incluir los fondos públicos ni otros ingresos legales, se recaude mediante el gravamen sobre los bienes inmuebles sujetos a impuestos dentro del distrito escolar y se cobre durante el próximo año, según lo dispuesto por ley.

b) Elegir a un miembro de la Junta para que cubra la vacante después de la finalización del período de Michael D’Ambrosio para un nuevo mandato que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y finaliza el 30 de junio de 2028.

c) Elegir a un miembro de la Junta para que cubra la vacante después de la finalización del período de Robert Transom para un nuevo mandato que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y finaliza el 30 de junio de 2028.

d) Votar sobre las siguientes propuestas: PROPUESTA 2: PROPUESTA SOBRE LA BIBLIOTECA DE OCEANSIDE PARA 2025-2026 Por medio del presente, la asignación anual de $7,607,143 hasta ahora autorizada por los votantes para los servicios de la biblioteca aumenta en $499,489, por una asignación anual total de $8,106,632 para cada año, desde el 1 de julio de 2025, junto con la parte designada de la biblioteca de cualquier pago de la Autoridad de Energía de Long Island (LIPA) de conformidad con un acuerdo conforme al expediente n.º 403754/2016, lo que representa la cantidad necesaria para los servicios de la biblioteca de conformidad con el

Public Notices

contrato por escrito celebrado entre la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Oceanside Union Free y la Biblioteca de Oceanside.

TENGA EN CUENTA

QUE TAMBIÉN SE

NOTIFICA que la votación se realizará mediante máquinas de votación, y las urnas estarán abiertas desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m. La elección se realizará de acuerdo con las Normas Electorales adoptadas por la Junta de Educación.

TENGA EN CUENTA

QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia sobre el presupuesto se realizará en el auditorio de la escuela n.º 6 de Oceanside, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, Nueva York, el miércoles 7 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:30 p. m., para la resolución de dichos asuntos según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación. Estará preparada la versión resumida de la propuesta sobre el presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en las máquinas de votación, como así también una declaración detallada por escrito de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2025-2026 para fines escolares, que especifica los fines y la cantidad para cada fin, y habrá copias disponibles, a pedido, para cualquier residente del Distrito en cada escuela de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. durante los catorce días previos a la elección, excepto sábados, domingos y feriados, en dicha audiencia sobre el presupuesto y elección anual, y en el sitio web del Distrito.

TENGA EN CUENTA QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, conforme a la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se requiere que el Distrito adjunte un informe de exención al presupuesto sugerido. En este informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, se mostrará cómo el valor total estimado de la lista de tasación final que se utilice en el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos, se enumerarán todos los tipos de exenciones que otorgue la autoridad legal y se

expondrá el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se prevé recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas.

TENGA EN CUENTA QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las nominaciones para el cargo del miembro de la Junta de Educación, se deberán realizar mediante solicitud firmada por al menos 49 votantes calificados del Distrito, deberán indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato, así como también el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, deberán describir la vacante específica para la que se nomina al candidato, que incluye la duración del cargo y el nombre del último titular y deberán presentarse en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito, en el edificio de la Administración, 145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, Nueva York, desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 4:00 p. m. a más tardar 30 días antes de la elección, este año es el 21 de abril de 2025, y el 21 de abril de 2025 desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 5:00 p. m. La Junta de Educación puede rechazar una nominación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara su poca disposición para desempeñar las funciones.

TENGA EN CUENTA QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que cualquier propuesta que se colocará en las máquinas de votación se deberá realizar por escrito mediante solicitud firmada por al menos 122 votantes calificados y presentar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar 30 días antes de la elección en la que se votará la cuestión o propuesta, este año, el 21 de abril de 2025, y el 21 de abril de 2025 desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 5:00 p. m. Esta norma no se aplicará a las propuestas que deban publicarse ni a aquellas propuestas o cuestiones sobre las que la Junta de Educación tenga la autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito.

TENGA EN CUENTA QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que se permite el registro de los votantes calificados para la elección anual del Distrito en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 4:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes, hasta el jueves 15 de mayo de 2025 inclusive. Se preparará y presentará un registro en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito, que estará abierto para que cualquier votante calificado pueda inspeccionarlo desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 4:00 p. m. los cinco días antes de la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado con cita desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 12:00 p. m., y en el lugar de votación el día de la elección. El registro incluirá lo siguiente: (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan presentado personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado para cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito realizada durante los cuatro años calendario (2021-2024) previos a la preparación de este registro; y (3) los votantes que estén registrados de manera permanente en la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas electorales por ausencia o boletas electorales por correo anticipado se deben completar en un formulario elaborado por la Junta de Elecciones del estado, el cual puede obtenerse en el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del estado (https://www.counsel.n ysed.gov/miscellaneous ) o comunicándose con la Secretaría del Distrito por correo electrónico (jkraemer@oceansidesc hools.org), o por teléfono (516-678-1226). Las solicitudes completadas de boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales por correo anticipado se deben recibir al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se enviará por correo al votante o hasta el día anterior a

la elección si la boleta electoral se entregará personalmente al votante o a la persona que designe. No se aceptarán solicitudes antes del 21 de abril de 2025. La Secretaría del Distrito debe recibir las boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales por correo anticipado antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día martes 20 de mayo de 2025 para ser escrutadas. En la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito se podrá consultar una lista de todas las personas a las que se hayan emitido boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales por correo anticipado cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a las elecciones, de 8:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m., excepto los domingos, y solo con cita previa de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. el sábado anterior a las elecciones. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la sección 2018-d de la Ley de Educación, cualquier persona que preste servicio en el Ejército, incluidos los cónyuges y dependientes, puede registrarse para votar en la próxima elección del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que califican como votantes del distrito escolar pueden obtener un formulario de registro comunicándose con la Secretaría del Distrito por teléfono (516-678-1226), fax (516-678-2145), correo electrónico (jkraemer@oceansidesc hools.org), correo postal (145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572) o en persona entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. Los votantes militares que estén debidamente registrados pueden solicitar la boleta electoral militar mediante un formulario de solicitud proporcionado por la Secretaría del Distrito. Las solicitudes completadas se deben entregar en persona o por correo postal a la Secretaría del Distrito, y se deben recibir antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 24 de abril de 2025. Las boletas electorales militares completadas se deben recibir antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 20 de mayo de 2025 si están firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección o no más

tarde del cierre de las urnas el 20 de mayo de 2025 si muestran una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o si muestran un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Los votantes militares pueden decidir si prefieren recibir un formulario de registro para votantes militares, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud para dicho registro, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral.

TENGA EN CUENTA

QUE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta convocará a una reunión especial en un plazo de veinticuatro horas después de la presentación de un informe por escrito en la Secretaría del Distrito de los resultados de la elección a fin de analizar y clasificar los informes y declarar el resultado de la elección; que la Junta, por el presente, se designa fiscal para emitir y escrutar los votos conforme a la Ley de Educación, 2019-a(2b), en esta reunión especial de la Junta.

Fecha: 14 de marzo de 2025

Oceanside, Nueva York POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR OCEANSIDE UNION FREE, PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

Justan Kraemer

Secretaría del Distrito 152438

Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 13, 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*} 152775

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 19-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held March 25, 2025 by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 19-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 19-2025, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 257-2025, adopted March 25, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 8th, day of April 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

(NR)ISLAND PARK

feet north of the north curbline of Hudson Avenue, north for a distance of 19 feet.

(TH-544/24)

VALLEY STREAM CHARLES STREETwest side, starting at a point 94 feet south of the south curbline of Oliver Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-119/25)

LAW STREET - west side, starting at a point 420 feet south of the south curbline of Stuart Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-116/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE CRAFT AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 195 feet west of the west curbline of Hall Street, west for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-426/23 - 10/3/23) (TH-121/25)

MERRICK LAWRENCE AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Montgomery Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-33/22 - 3/22/22) (TH-120/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Goosby and adopted upon roll call as follows:

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

Dated: March 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Hempstead, New York OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152938

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 298-2025

Adopted: April 8, 2025

Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution

BROADWAY - east side, starting at a point 261 feet north of the north curbline of Saratoga Boulevard, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-64/25)

NORTH BELLMORE

DAVENPORT PLACEnorth side, starting at a point 249 feet east of the east curbline of Newbridge Road, east for a distance of 31 feet.

(TH-115/25)

ROOSEVELT

PENNYSLVANIA AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 120

AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 152937 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS AN OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HEIDI LIPPACHER, ET

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Q. We’re planning to replace our old windows, and are doing research online to make sure we make the right decision. I saw that there’s an option for “triple pane” windows instead of double panes. It appears to be much more money, but the writer of one article says it’s well worth it. Are you familiar with triple panes, do we need permits to change our windows and is it worth the expense? We’ve lived in our current home for five years and plan to be here for the rest of our lives, hopefully a long time, while we raise our family. What do you think?

A. I could simply say that you get what you pay for, but I’m certain you need more of an explanation, since you’ve taken the time to investigate and educate yourself. In your investigation, I’m sure you saw engineering data, lots of comparative numbers and U-values, the rating acronym for glass unit values. The lower the U-value, the better the insulating value of the glass.

Because the majority of heat or cool transmission or loss of energy is through the windows, while the walls, floor and roof are more insulated, it’s most important to do something to prevent losing all that energy you’re paying to create. Whether it’s your air conditioning or your heat, the outside of your house, referred to simply as the “envelope,” is of critical importance to insulate, especially with ever-rising energy prices. While most building departments don’t require a permit for changing out the windows “in kind,” meaning in the same size and location, some will require a permit for any little thing, like sanding your floors or adding closets, and I’m not kidding, so it’s best to check their rules online, or call your local building department directly.

Another thing to be aware of is that changing windows can trigger fire safety escape rules, referred to as egress windows, and most up-anddown, or double-hung colonial windows don’t meet the requirement if you don’t have at least one window in every habitable room with a size of 5.7 square feet. The window must have a clear escape opening of 20 inches in width and a minimum height of clear opening of 24 inches. Remember that a large fire rescuer must be able to save you.

Triple pane is a great value, because you’re always losing costly energy, so the return on investment, especially if this is your long-term home, makes it well worth it. Windows lose the most energy at the edges, so the type of gasket joining the windows to the frame is critical. The most effective frames have insulation blocking, not just a thermal break in the frame. A thermal break is usually a thin gasket between the outside and inside frames. Adding insulation, instead of leaving open air spaces in the frame, saves more energy, so it’s important to look for.

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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opinions Ed Kranepool was the real Mr. Met

The Major League Baseball season is well underway. It’s been three weeks since the first pitch was thrown amid all the festivities of Opening Day. As a Brooklyn Dodgers fan since my youth, until they were hijacked from us to Los Angeles, and as a Mets fan since their creation in 1962, baseball has always been a major part of my life.

Love of the game was imparted to me by my father, and it’s something I share with my son and grandson. Whether it’s watching a Mets, Yankees or Long Island Ducks game or going to a local Little League game in Wantagh or Seaford, baseball definitely transcends generations.

What made this year’s Mets opening day more meaningful to me was the tribute to Mets legend Ed Kranepool, who died last year. To honor him, Mets players will wear a patch on their uniform sleeve emblazoned with his number 7 all season.

Kranepool was more than a guy who happened to play for the Mets. In so

many ways, he personified what New York baseball was all about. He was the real Mr. Met. Born and raised in the Bronx, he was signed by the Mets when he graduated from high school in 1962, and at age 17 actually played for them in their first season.

i

Kranepool went on to play 18 seasons, appearing in more games than anyone in Mets history. His career included the peaks and valleys of Mets history. In the team’s first seven years, they didn’t have one winning season. Their horrific 1962 campaign, when they set the major league record for most losses, prompted Jimmy Breslin’s famous book “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?”

n so many ways, he personified what New York baseball was all about.

But then, in 1969, the “Miracle Mets” shocked the baseball world by winning the World Series. Kranepool, who had suffered and persevered through the dark days, was not only playing on a championship team, but smashed a key home run off the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the Series. And in 1973 he was the team captain when the Mets won the National league championship and, in the World Series, took the mighty Oakland A’s to seven games. Throughout his career, Kranepool

remained a New Yorker, living in Nassau and Suffolk counties and opening a celebrated restaurant, the Dugout, in Amityville. He was also a fixture at countless Little League, charity and community events all over Long Island, and hosted batting and fielding clinics for kids.

Through the rest of his life after he retired from baseball, Kranepool suffered from diabetes and kidney disease, which progressively worsened, necessitating a toe amputation. Never once, though, did I hear him complain or bemoan his fate. After several false starts, he underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Mets’ miracle season.

Though I was a fan of his from day one, I got to know Kranepool about 10 years ago. He was always a great guy to be with, whether at sports events or at lunch with friends. I particularly looked forward to and always enjoyed lunches with Ed, his Mets teammate Art Shamsky and former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Fred Cambria.

It was a terrific experience just to sit and listen to their stories. What struck me the most was that none of them talk-

ed about their own heroics. It was always the other guy. So very different from so many of today’s ego-driven athletes. And I’ll always remember that Kranepool was one of the very first to call me after I had successfully stomach cancer surgery two years ago.

He died last September, from cardiac arrest apparently brought on by the years of diabetes and kidney disease that preceded the kidney transplant. His death was mourned by generations of New York baseball fans.

I focus on Kranepool here because he personified, for me, what baseball in particular and sports in general should be all about, and how they can be lessons for life. Give it your best shot in good times and bad. Don’t panic or complain when life takes a bad turn, or be arrogant when things break your way and you’re on top of the heap.

I think those lessons are especially relevant today, when too many parents put too much pressure on kids to win, forgetting the admonition that it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. If you play hard and give it your best shot, you’ll be a winner in life, no matter what the scoreboard says.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

America could really use a few honest words

Words, words and more words. Everything we do every day is connected to the use of words and their meaning. Shakespeare’s Hamlet spends a lot of time complaining about words. In “My Fair Lady,” Eliza Doolittle expresses her frustration with excess talking and her desire for action.

I relate the use of words to the political arena, where I spent a great deal of my life. In our history books, public officials gain notoriety by using memorable words.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt soothed a fearful nation with promises that America would go to war and win it. Great Britain’s prime minister, Winston Churchill, lacking enough troops and ammunition, uplifted his nation with his brilliant use of words. If I asked you to remember some of the greatest words from President Ronald Reagan, you might say, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” President

Bill Clinton was believable when he told the voters that he felt their pain. President Barack Obama was elected on the promise of change.

President Trump has used the word “tariff” with enormous frequency, but after major drops in the markets, even he may temporarily realize that the word is toxic.

TThis month’s economic crisis is a good example of how politicians fail to talk to the average consumer in simple terms. When the stock market takes a dramatic plunge, stockholders and pensioners get nervous about their long-term economic fate. Over the past few weeks, there wasn’t one person who consistently crafted a message that could soothe the millions of people who were on edge.

but he may not be the right person to talk to the American public, because he is known to change his mind often, and has already said so.

Most people don’t understand how pure partisan politics emerges when there are complex fiscal headaches and multiple talking heads.

he Wall Street crisis may be on hold, but does the White House have a plan?

An example of the confusion is the back-and-forth between Elon Musk and Peter Navarro, the president’s voice on tariffs. Recently Musk referred to Navarro as being “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Navarro referred to Musk as a “car assembler.” If these two people are supposed to be the economic face of the administration, which one should the public trust?

To add to the boiling pot, there’s Vice President J.D. Vance, who has found ways to throw dynamite into a Washington crowd. While his boss is trying to find a working strategy against Chinese tariffs, Vance, who comes from so-called hillbilly country, said, “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.” China is our Number 2 lender. With all these crazy intra-party fights going on, one would think the Democrats would be delighting in the bloodbath. Instead, they seem to be suffering from some kind of vocal paralysis, and are unable to find a few key players to articulate the case that the MAGA party is floundering. The United States is currently in a state of total confusion, thanks to the confusing words coming from the Republicans and the silence of the Democratic lambs.

The Wall Street crisis may be on hold, but there are no assurances that the White House has a real long-term plan. One of the underlying problems right now is that there are no assurances that anyone will emerge who will be a credible voice, able to keep the nation calm. The president has promised to negotiate with multiple nations on trade issues,

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is widely respected on Wall Street, but at the height of last week’s turmoil in the markets he was telling us that “things are going to be just fine.”

This should be alarming to all Americans, because it appears there’s no one person who is capable of uttering the words that investors need to keep their collective blood pressure under control.

For now, we’ll have to hope that the country doesn’t free-fall into a recession. We could use a few words from somebody out there who’s never heard of Pinocchio.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

Earth

Day isn’t just a date. It’s a turning point.

april 22 might not jump out on your calendar like a holiday or a long weekend, but maybe it should. On Earth Day, which has been around for over 50 years, we are urged us to pay attention to the natural world — the land we walk around on, the air we breathe, the oceans that surround us and the future we’re shaping.

And let’s be honest: The future of our environment is looking a little shaky right now.

Extreme weather, rising sea levels, shrinking green spaces — even here in our own communities, we’re feeling the effects. Unseasonal heat waves, water restrictions, and poor air quality brought on by summer wildfires aren’t some abstract global issue. They’re right here at home.

Long Island has at times been a case study of why Earth Day is important.

After Hurricane Sandy, many residents whose homes were flooded had to rebuild, and they aimed to mitigate future damage by raising their homes and, where possible, strengthening bulkheading. Some built seawalls, and in some cases municipalities rebuilt roadways to reduce the impact of flooding.

letters

Heck, yes, judges can overrule presidents

To the Editor:

Despite the evidence that the earth’s climates are changing, however, Earth Day too often comes and goes without much more than a passing mention. That needs to change, because the day isn’t just about planting trees or switching off the lights for an hour. It’s about recognizing the power of collective local action — and that starts with us.

That’s why this Earth Day, we encourage everyone in our communities to show up and get involved. There are countless ways to make a difference, and many of them are happening right in your backyard.

There is an event focused on recycling in Long Beach on April 26, and a celebration of tree planting in Amityville that same day. And there will be a number of beach cleanups, including one in Atlantic Beach on April 27. Last weekend in Lakeview, more than 50 people planted flowers at the train station and collected litter in the business district.

Join a community cleanup at a park or along a river trail. Volunteer with a local conservation group. Support farmers markets and businesses that use sustainable practices. Start a compost bin. Cut back on single-use plastics. Attend a

town council meeting and ask about green initiatives. Plant something — even if it’s just one flower or herb on your windowsill.

The point isn’t to do it all. It’s to do something.

And when a bunch of people do something together, momentum builds. The ripple effect is real. Small acts pile up into cultural shifts. And when those shifts start to take root in towns like ours, they grow into the kind of broad environmental awareness that leads to lasting policy, cleaner spaces and stronger communities.

Let’s move past the idea that one person can’t make a difference. You can. You do. And when you team up with a few friends, a group, or a neighborhood? That’s how change begins.

So don’t let Earth Day pass by like just another date on the calendar. Take a moment to step outside and look around. And then, do one thing for the Earth. Just one.

Because the more we treat this planet like it matters, the more likely we can preserve everything about it that we know and love. Next Tuesday, let’s do more than acknowledge Earth Day. Let’s take it personally.

In her letter in last week’s issue, “Why so much opposition to the president?” Pat King asked a question that demands a response. “Can judges overrule the president of the United States?”

The answer, of course, is not only yes, but it’s their responsibility to do so when the president goes beyond the scope of the law. The day judges can no longer do that, or choose not to, is the day democracy ends. Hundreds of our judges are now being threatened with harm to themselves and their families for upholding their oaths to defend the constitutional requirement to check presidential and legislative power.

What follows the rule of law is the rule of predation and fear, and that’s why there is so much opposition to this would-be tyrant.

BrIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

D’Esposito will fit right in in

wasteful Washington

To the Editor:

Former U.S. rep. Anthony D’Esposito seems hell-bent on bringing the Town of Hempstead’s hiring practices to Washington, whether it’s in Congress or as inspector general in the Department of Labor. Hempstead is notorious

for wasting tax dollars on high-salaried political appointments. So of course, former Councilman D’Esposito thought nothing of hiring his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to work for him in Congress, which, unlike the town, has actual labor laws against such practices. Given the qualifications of all of President Trump’s appointees, however, appointing someone who openly violated labor laws to the position of

inspector general overseeing the Labor Department shouldn’t surprise anyone. And there is no expectation that D’Esposito will investigate waste and abuse in the department. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for D’Esposito to confirm his reputation for labor law abuse. He approved giving the deputy secretary of labor, the man tasked with cutting federal funds to local libraries and museums, 24-hour security detail.

opinions

Misinformation won’t stop N.Y.’s clean-energy progress

assemblyman Ari Brown’s op-ed, “Battery energy storage systems are growing threat,” in the March 27-April 2 issue, wildly misrepresented New York’s efforts to build a cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy future. As president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, I want to set the record straight. While we do not comment on pending legislation, we will not stand back as Brown spreads blatant misinformation about the state’s clean-energy transition. Our work is based on facts, science and common sense — not the fear-mongering and falsehoods he has chosen to spread.

One of Brown’s most egregious claims is that battery energy storage systems pose an uncontrollable fire hazard and should be banned. This is completely false. BESS technology has been rigorously tested and regulated, and more than 160 gigawatts have been deployed worldwide to strengthen the reliability of our electrical grid. New York, like many other states and countries, follows strict safety protocols and industry best practices to ensure that these systems operate safely.

Are there risks? Of course — just as with any grid infrastructure, battery storage is continually improving, with advancements in fire suppression and monitoring systems. And that’s why, in February, to help improve deployment of safety standards — and potentially influence codes across the country — the New York State Code Council voted to move ahead with new code language recommended by the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group for inclusion in the next edition of the state’s fire code. Most notably, while the updated codes are expected to be adopted later this year, NYSERDA-sponsored energy-storage projects are already contractually required to meet these recommendations.

wBrown also blatantly lied about my own record, falsely claiming that I had voted to ban BESS in my hometown, which necessitated a correction in the Herald. The truth? I never voted on any such measure because I don’t sit on the Town Board, which voted on battery storage.

e’re building a clean, resilient energy future because it’s the right choice.

Rather than acknowledging the reality, Brown cherry-picked incidents without providing full context or recognizing that modern safety features — including remote monitoring, fire detection and ventilation systems — are specifically designed to mitigate risks. He also falsely claimed that BESS facilities require diesel generators for backup, undermining their environmental benefits. That is simply not true. The vast majority of storage projects are designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable-energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, not increasing it.

Letters

Despite the White House’s claims to the contrary, government spending since Trump’s inauguration is $154 billion more than during the same period last year. Between Trump’s golf days, which have cost taxpayers roughly $30 million since January, and D’Esposito approving unwarranted $2 million security details, the waste and abuse committed by the Trump administration, while taking a chainsaw to agencies that provide critical services, is unconscionable.

This cavalier attitude that our tax dollars are theirs for the taking must stop in Washington, and in Nassau County.

ClAuDIA BORECkY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

The devil is in the details

To the Editor:

The big things in the Trump administration are so appalling that it’s hard to wrap your mind around them. The little things sometimes fall through the cracks. For example, a friend noted the frequency of the alliterative “trust in

Trump” phrase the White House press secretary keeps slipping into press conferences.

Or the fact that the president of the united States called his own people “yippy” for gasping in horror as their savings plummeted — not to mention watching him manipulate the stock market like a toy.

But I heard something on the news that I found so chilling that I can’t stop thinking about it: In response to a request for evidence for deporting a u.S. resident, Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded in a memo that he can deport anyone he wants. A terrifying message, yes, but I can’t stop thinking about responding with a memo to a judicial request, dismissing not only the request, but the entire judicial system and branch of government. Just waving them away like someone soliciting you to buy something cheap and tawdry. The disdain is breathtaking.

A confluence of events — Trump’s inexplicable popularity and infallibility in the eyes of a great deal of the country; the Republican majority in both the Senate and the House — have allowed Project 2025 not just to come to fruition, but to flourish. We must do something other than watch in horror from the

He also distorted the reality of the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. Brown portrayed it as an attempt by the state to force energy projects on communities without their input. The reality is that the RAPID Act streamlines permitting processes for major renewable-energy and electric transmission facilities while maintaining critical safeguards, ensuring that clean-energy projects, including battery storage, are deployed responsibly and efficiently. Further, stand-alone BESS projects that are not sited alongside commercial solar or wind are not governed by RAPID and are subject to all local zoning provisions.

Energy infrastructure must be planned holistically, not piecemeal. While local governments are vital partners in this transition, the energy grid is interconnected across counties and regions. New York cannot afford to let misguided information and local opposition dictate the fate of a statewide ener-

gy plan that would benefit millions of New Yorkers.

What Mr. Brown also failed to mention is that energy storage isn’t just safe — it’s smart economics. Battery storage saves New Yorkers money by reducing the need for dirty, expensive power plants, storing cheap, renewable power for use when prices spike and easing congestion on the grid. It boosts reliability by responding instantly to fluctuations in supply and demand, helping prevent outages and blackouts. And it delays the need for costly new infrastructure — like transmission lines and power plants — that ratepayers would otherwise be on the hook for. In short, storage makes our grid cleaner, more reliable and more affordable.

Despite Brown’s misinformation and false claims, New York’s clean-energy plan is already delivering results.

Rather than misleading the public, we need leaders to support policies that protect our environment, strengthen our economy and reduce energy costs. Fear and obstruction won’t move New York forward — only facts, innovation and a commitment to a sustainable future will.

New Yorkers are smart, and we won’t be deterred by alternative facts. We are building a clean, resilient energy future because it’s the right choice for our state, our economy and our communities.

Doreen M. Harris is president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

sidelines as our entire system of government is dismantled before our eyes. Our Founding Fathers may have been imperfect, but they created a brilliant system of government with three equal branches, which both support and check each other, and consequently give the people the power.

If power is consolidated in the executive branch, we will witness the death of democracy. We can’t let the devil — speaking literally and figuratively — win here.

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Lions Club egg hunt at Halls Pond Park — West Hempstead

doreen m. harris

NEllA DAWN CASAlINO Woodmere