Uniondale Herald 08-28-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

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NUMC files lawsuit against its ex-leader

Lawmakers revive construction protection bill State lawmakers announced plans two weeks ago to reintroduce a bipartisan bill written earlier this year aimed at preventing payroll and contracting fraud in public school construction. The move was sparked by a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York accusing a Bronx-based contractor who was working in the Uniondale school district of cheating construction workers out of millions of dollars. Officials said the legislation would require no new funding and would strengthen oversight between school districts and local building trades to help ensure that construction projects are given to responsible New York-based contractors who employ local workers. “When we talk about making sure we build opportunity for our fellow Long Islanders, why not do it through good-paying union jobs?” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said. “We know when a union does the work, they do it efficiently; they do it right the first time. They don’t require these construction companies that are thinking about profit first, then the people of Long Island. We’ve got to be smart when we talk about this bill.” Solages, the lead spon-

THE LEADER IN PROP ERTY TAX REDUCT ION

The board announced Ryan’s firing in June, stating the termination was with “cause,” The ongoing saga between according to a letter issued by Nassau University Medical Dr. Richard Becker, the new Center and its former president interim chief executive of the hospital. The letand chief executive continued last ter showed that week, after hospiRyan authorized tal officials filed a payments of $3.5 lawsuit against million to herself Megan Ryan, citand others ing misconduct, around May 30, self-enrichment after the state legand a deliberate islature began its sabotage of hospirevamp of the tal affairs. board. It further Over the last stated that $1 milfew months, operalion was more tions at NUMC and than amounts its public benefit that were due to group, the Nassau Ryan and other Health Care Coremployees. The poration, were payments, accordtaken over by New ing to the board, York state in accorallegedly served dance with provivalid purpose. GOV. KAThY hOChuL no At sions that passed an Aug. 13 in the state budget Spokesperson board meeting, in May. The board according to unofwas restructured to include 11 ficial minutes on NUMC’s webmembers. Gov. Kathy Hochul site, the board ratified the act named most of the new board by Becker “in his capacity as members, based on powers interim president and CEO to given to her in the most recent discontinue the administrative budget bill, and also designated leave” of Ryan and to terminate the chairman, Stuart Rabinow- her employment for cause, itz, former president at Hofstra effective June 18. University. Ryan and her legal represen-

By JORDAN VALLONE

jvallone@liherald.com

Photo courtesy Obama Foundation

Former President Barack Obama greeted the My Brother’s Keeper ambassadors in Washington in June.

Okoye is an ambassador for My Brother’s Keeper By ALEXIA CROLL Intern

When Ikenna Okoye walked into a room full of young leaders from across the country, he didn’t just find a cohort — he found a brotherhood. Selected as one of 18 national ambassadors in the Obama Foundation’s newly launched My Brother’s Keeper Alliance program, Okoye, a native of Uniondale, has quickly emerged as a young leader committed to community service. Just a year after graduating from Uniondale High School Okoye is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the lives of boys and young men of color through mentorship, service and leadership development. The highlight of his ambassadorship came in Washington,

D.C., on June 24, when he and his fellow MBK leaders met former President Barack Obama at the first national ambassador convening. “You always hear his voice on TV or in the videos, and now that he’s in the room, it feels surreal,” Okoye said. “Before taking pictures, he made sure to shake hands with all of us and greet us and ask us where we represent and where we’re from. “It was awesome that the first thing he did was greet everybody directly,” Okoye added. “It gave it more of a personal level to it.” At the meeting, Okoye found himself in a room buzzing with anticipation — every ambassador was eager for a chance to ask Obama a question. During the hour-long Q&A, they had COntinued On Page 20

he recent revelations further validate Gov. Hochul’s decisive action to restructure the board and restore accountability to this critical safety-net institution.

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A report by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority raised concerns raised concerns about Nassau County’s fiscal health, warning of possible significant challenges through 2028.

Report raises concern over Nassau County’s fiscal outlook report

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August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

The Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a corporate governmental agency established by New York state with powers to monitor and oversee Nassau County’s finances, review financial plans, and, if necessary, impose a control period, has released a report on the county’s updated multi-year financial plan, warning of significant fiscal challenges through Fiscal Year 2028. The analysis shows that the operating results for Fiscal Year 2025 alone could result in a potential deficit under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles of $204.7 million. After the county’s planned use of $108.2 million of its reserves to pay operating costs, that figure would drop to $96.5 million. “Our analysis of the county’s updated multi-year financial plan yielded some troubling discoveries, which are largely due to the County’s tendency to use funding from reserves to pay operating costs,” said Richard Kessel, NIFA’s chairman. “Reserve funding is meant to be used in times of financial stress or emergency, which is not currently the case in Nassau County, and this administration is living outside its means. The county’s financial future looks concerning to us at NIFA, and while there is still time to turn that around, it will take a great deal of change in fiscal management.”

According to NIFA, deficits are projected to reach $273.9 million in Fiscal Year 2028, or $231.9 million after the planned use of $42 million of reserves to pay operating costs. This projected risk is more than six times the one percent deficit threshold that would require a control period. Contributing factors include uncertainty over future federal aid following a one-time transfer of $247.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act in Fiscal Year 2024, higher-than-assumed overtime costs, lower-than-assumed sales tax and fine revenues, and higherthan-assumed spending on early intervention, preschool special education, and other social services programs, even when offset by state and federal aid reimbursement. The expiration of certain labor contracts in July 2026 also adds to the uncertainty. NIFA cited concerns about significant liabilities, including approximately $909.4 million in long-term obligations for tax certiorari refunds, non-certiorari litigation, and workers’ compensation claims, along with $77.2 million in contingent liability tied to the Nassau Health Care Corporation’s finances. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in an emailed statement to the Herald, rejected the findings. “NIFA is a bloated Democrat patronage mill that has predicted deficits for the last three years,” Blakeman said, “when in fact the county ran large surpluses.”

Annual bridge program guides high school freshmen Intern

Uniondale High School buzzed with nervous excitement as incoming ninth graders took part in the annual Summer Bridge Program, a four-day initiative designed to ease the transition from middle school ahead of the Sept. 2 start of school. The program ran until Aug.14, welcomed students from Turtle Hook and Lawrence Road Middle Schools. Students toured the school building, took their photo ID, learned how to open lockers and followed a mock bell schedule with students switching classrooms each period aimed at breaking the ice and build confidence – giving them a true taste of high school life. Mia Romero, a rising senior and student worker at the program, became a vital bridge between incoming freshmen and the high school community. Having once been in their shoes, Romero brings empathy and understanding to her role. “I did the Summer Bridge Program as well. That’s one of the main reasons I was excited for this job, because I remember those seniors I met during the summer bridge program, and they helped me a lot too,” she said. Her duties in the program go beyond taking attendance — she strives to create a welcoming environment for the new students. “Another big responsibility is having them get to know me as much as I get to know them,” Romero explained. “They feel comfortable with talking to someone

Sophia Chicas, an incoming freshman, expressed her feelings towards starting high school after participating in the program. “I’m pretty excited to start a new chapter of my life — to meet new people and get to experience more of my surroundings.” The program also introduced students to the phone pouch system, part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statewide initiative to limit classroom distractions. Amanda Prescia, the program’s director and a social worker for the senior class, was already looking ahead to the start of the school year with optimism. “I like to plan ahead. Knowing for instance — the cell phone policy. I’m already coming in with that head space that everyone’s gonna have anxiety, everyone’s gonna be nervous,” Prescia Alexia Croll/Herald Photos said.” And just to come in with positiviUS History teacher Jillian Pallone stands demonstrates the “photo-swap” ice breakers ty, it’s the biggest thing for every staff member.” activity at the Summer Bridge Program on Aug. 13. For Prescia, the “They definitely become that might not be as old as the teachers are Summer Bridge Proor as experienced, but someone that knows more communicative.” she gram is not just about began, “They feel more comwhat they’re going through as well.” easing students’ nerves, Jillian Pallone, an 11th grade U.S. fortable. They exchange social but about building a History teacher and mentor for the pro- media with each other. They foundation for a supgram, guided students through a series have a place to talk with them portive and vibrant of activities designed to help them con- outside of school. They’ll hang school year. nect and feel at home in their new out after school with each “I just love the kids school. She created a “speed-dating for other sometimes. And during in that setting, where friends” style image-matching game, the year, they come over to they’re free and enjoywhere students paired up by matching me and they’re like, ‘Oh my AMAndA PRESCIA, ing themselves,” she pictures and asked each other questions, god, I remember you.’ said. She’s confident the Uniondale High School It creates a bond that they Summer Bridge Program which she called the photo swap. connections and confiOver the course of the week, Pallone can carry with them all the dence students gain will Director and Social has seen remarkable changes in the stu- way into senior year,” Palcarry them through the Worker lone said. dents. next four years.

just love the kids in that setting, where they’re free and enjoying themselves.

Back-to-School program hosted by Optimum for the fifth year School districts received a $10,000 donation in this Back-to-School season

By MASHIAT AZMI Intern

Optimum and Warner Bros. Discovery, hosted their fifth Back-to-School backpack program on Aug. 18 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to support Uniondale, Freeport, Hempstead and Central Islip students to prepare them for the upcoming school year. This Back-to-School season, through a strong partnership, 500 backpacks were distributed, filled with school supplies. Other products included a water bottle, crayons, rulers, pens and more. The event also featured fun activities, music, refreshments, and more to celebrate with community members. Allison Aylward, director of Community Affairs at Optimum, discussed the goals and inspiration behind this Backto-School program. “The event is being held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and they have some relationships with schools in the area,” Aylward said. “We ask them to invite their partner school districts to come to join us just to make sure that those students have all of the tools that they need for the start of the school year.” Aylward stated that the distribution

of 500 backpacks was an increase from previous years. He believed the increase were the highlights that made this year’s program bigger. Aylward stated that Optimum has a partnership with DonorsChoose, a nonprofit education organization that supports teachers and students in the communities, and each attending school district would receive $10,000. “Each of the school districts that will be attending this event will each receive a $10,000 donation from Optimum so that they can purchase technology or any resources that they might need as they start the school year up with,” Aylward said. There’s an additional separate event for Central Islip to donate $10,000, according to Aylward. Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, legislator Scott Davis, legislator Seth Koslow, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Assemblyman Noah Burroughs joined the event to support today’s youth. “I’m proud to support the Back-toSchool Drive at the Cradle of Aviation, sponsored by Optimum,” Burroughs said. “Events like these show the power of commitment toward our youth —

Courtesy Village of Freeport

Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, and Assemblyman Noah Burroughs received a $10,000 donation from Optimum for Uniondale Public Schools at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Monday, Aug. 18. when businesses, organizations, and leaders come together, we give our children the tools they need to succeed in

school and in life.” Aylward told The Herald that, for the past few years, Optimum has been doing this event in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. According to her, throughout the years, they have worked with donors to support school districts across Long Island and their entire service footprint. However, the program aims to provide ongoing support to students and teachers throughout the school year, not just at the start. Aylward emphasized the importance of students starting the school year with basic school supplies, as most families can’t afford to do that, considering financial setbacks. “I think it’s important that students start the school year with the basics that they need. And a lot of times, unfortunately, families can’t afford even the basic supplies,” Aylward said. “Starting the school year off with fresh new items, gets them off on the right foot to start the school year positively. We’re committed to supporting education to support the next generation of leaders who are in the schools today. We want to be present in the communities we serve. I think this just further amplifies that commitment.”

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

By ALEXIA CROLL

August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Holden Leeds/Herald Photos

Audience members clap and smile in delight as they take in the lively jazz sounds during the Jazz Bone concert series.

Summer Jazz series ends on a high note

Three summer nights of rhythm and unity By ALEXIA CROLL

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Free Uniondale Summer Jazz 2025 series ended on a high note on Aug. 26, closing out three evenings of live Jazz music at the John J. Byrne Community Center, with Artistic Director Napoleon Revels-Bey leading – celebrating the rich spirit of jazz. The first concert of the three-part series featured the band Liquid Jazz, who played renditions of tunes such as “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Canadian Sunset”, drawing applause and delight from the audience. Percussionist and band member Fred Berryhill has spent decades behind the drums — first as a band director in New York City schools, and now as a retired music educator still performing. “I’ve been doing this a long time,” Berryhill said, “ Percussion has always been my voice.” Berryhill said his drums are more than an instrument, they’re his way of bringing the energy on stage. “I’m always trying to set a mood, when my eyes are closed, I’m listening

to the other musicians, just trying to be creative,” he said. “That’s why I like jazz — I never play the same thing twice.” Berryhill also brought along a cajón, a wooden box-shaped drum that produces snare and bass-like tones when struck, adding a different texture to his performance. Napoleon Revels-Bey, the artistic director and organizer of the Jazz Bone series, said his goal is to bring more traditional jazz into local communities while fostering connection across cultures. “I’d like to see a real festival out here that brings different nationalities together. That’s my focus.” Revels-Bey stated. A percussionist and music educator hailing from Hempstead, Revels-Bey has a greater vision for what can be accomplished with the series. He hopes the series can spark a renewed appreciation for live jazz in local neighborhoods. “The love of “quote, unquote” traditional jazz — at some point they’ll be able to have more of this in communities. I’m hoping. “

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

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HERALD SPORTS Hofstra seeks to regain CAA supremacy By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra women’s soccer kicked off the 2025 season on Aug. 14 with a flair for the dramatic that served as springboard for the program’s best start in four years. In muggy conditions that caused multiple players to go down with cramps, the Pride appeared headed for an opening night draw before sophomore forward Hailey Moschitta headed in a feed from Maggie Peterson with 5.6 seconds remaining for a 2-1 victory against St. Joseph’s (Pa.). It marked the latest game-winning goal in the program’s 32-year history. “We were just knocking on the door all day,” said 20th-year Hofstra women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough of the Monmouth match in which the Pride outshot the Hawks 22-2. “We’ve got enough individual talent on this team that we can make a big play at any time.” Momentum from the St. Joseph’s victory carried over into a commanding 3-0 victory against Quinnipac back home at Captains Field on Aug. 17. Hofstra (3-1) then knocked off Columbia 2-1 last Friday for the program’s first 3-0 start since 2021 with its unbeaten streak ended in a a 4-0 setback at Yale on Sunday. The Pride are looking to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022 with a veteran squad of 19 returning players fueled for a deep postseason run after falling to Monmouth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals for a second straight season. Hofstra captured five CAA titles in six seasons from 2017 to 2022. The many returners include last year’s leading scorer Millie Davies, who tallied seven goals and five assists. The senior midfielder from Manchester, England was an All-CAA selection the last two seasons and Riddiough said she has a solid chance to play professionally after college. The offense also returned graduate forward Mathilde Braithwaite, a Third Team All-CAA selection who had five goals as a senior. Senior midfielders Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir and Aimee Hodgson are also back on the pitch after tallying points last fall. Hofstra got a big scoring boost with the addition of Manon Lebargy, a Middle Tennessee State transfer who was C-USA Midfielder of the Year last season after scoring 13 goals with four assists. “She is a fantastic addition,” said Riddiough of Lebardy, who scored two goals in the Quinipac

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victory. “She brings a tremendous amount of energy that resonates with the whole team.” Peterson and Moschitta, who connected on the winning goal in the opening match, arew also expected to play an integral part of the offense this season. Alexia Des Croisselles, a Quebec native and Jacksonville State transfer, has also been involved with the offense early on registering a key goal in the Columbia victory. The defense has veteran leadership from graduate students Gabriella Marte and Olivia Pearse, a former standout at Seaford High School. Sasha McTiffin and Emma Johnson also bring plenty of experience in the backline. Pearse, who missed most of last season with an injury, has also displayed offensive ability this season on set pieces with two goals including the tying tally against St. Joe’s. “She’s a tremendous athlete,” Riddiough said. “She brings a lot of physicality and is a huge threat on set piece situations.” The depth of Hofstra’s defense was stung in the opening match when senior defender Ava Lanfredi went down with a high ankle sprain injury. The first-year starter from East Greenwich, R.I. is expected to miss a few weeks and Riddiough hopes she can return for when the heart of the CAA schedule commences. Sophomore goalie Lily Bailey has started in net this season after transferring from Morehead State where she recorded five shutouts as a freshman. Graduate student Carly Travers, a former URI and Eastport South Manor High School keeper, is a capable backup in net. Hofstra will look to continue its solid start to the 2025 campaign with home matches this Thursday against Fairleigh Dickinson at 7 p.m. and Sept. 6 versus Loyola (Md.) at 1 p.m. The Pride conclude the non-league schedule on Sept. 14 at home against Dartmouth before hosting Elon in the CAA opener on Sept. 18. The Pride was picked by CAA coaches to finish third in the conference’s north division behind defending champion Stony Brook and runner-up Monmouth. The top three finishers in the division, which also comprises Drexel, Northeastern and Towson, will qualify for the six-team CAA Tournament and a chance to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. “If we stay healthy I think we can make a really good push for it,” said Riddiough, who has guided Hofstra to nine NCAA tournaments and seven CAA titles in his two decades leading the sideline.

Courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

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August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

How are you getting ready to go back to school? Sothanee Sainsurin

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

Compiled by Herald Staff

James McManus

9, Baldwin

16, Calhoun High School

I traveled a lot this summer, so I’ve been reading about the places and writing in my journal. It makes me feel ready for all the new adventures waiting at school.

I’m going to get ready to learn new things. Brian Kacharaba/Herald

Photo by Sophea Sainsurin

Kurt Rauschenbach 14, Merrick

I haven’t really started yet, but my parents have been talking about me getting ready with going back to school shopping and just like getting to start like reading again, because the reading book is about to come out. Just getting back into the grind or whatever.

Jack Wolfrom

Emma Williamson

I’m gonna maybe read some books and get school supplies.

I play lacrosse in college, so I try conditioning as often as I can and going to the gym to get ready for the semester.

14, Merrick

Seaford

Photo by Mashiat Azmi

Charles Shaw/Herald

Photo by Mashiat Azmi

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August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Prices, stalled growth fuel housing crisis

State pushes pro-development programs as Long Island towns weigh costs and community impacts By AINSLEY MARTINEZ, CHARLES SHAW & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers

Third in a series about housing on Long Island. Long Island’s housing crisis is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a battleground where zoning, politics and community identity collide. At its root, the issue is a chronic lack of supply, Richard Murdocco, a land use columnist and lecturer at Stony Brook University, says. “Our housing supply has always been inadequate,” Murdocco said. “The pandemic only amplified the problem.” Murdocco said that zoning laws, while often criticized, generally serve a purpose by preventing overbuilding and protecting the environment, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. Still, he noted that some restrictions could be updated to allow for more diverse housing types, adding, “Planning is about the balance of economic and social development.” Many Long Island communities rely heavily on single-family zoning, which limits options for renters and first-time homebuyers. Murdocco pointed to examples like allowing accessory dwelling units and legalizing safe basement apartments as steps that could help ease the affordability problem without contributing to overdevelopment. Vision Long Island, a Northportbased nonprofit, promotes Smart Growth planning by working with residents and local leaders to revitalize downtowns, encourage mixed-use development and build transit-oriented housing. Its director, Erik Alexander, said these efforts have produced more than 18,000 units near public transit in 45 communities over two decades, with over 60 downtowns completing visioning or master plans. “The balance comes from the planning — not from us imposing our will,” Alexander noted. “When regional authorities do that, it backfires.” He pointed to Matinecock Court in East Northport — a 146-unit affordable housing project proposed in the 1970s but delayed for decades by lawsuits, opposition and zoning hurdles — as emblematic of Long Island’s housing struggles. Construction finally began in 2021, and as it nears completion, advocates see it both as a symbol of resistance to affordable housing and a hardwon step forward. Alexander said the barriers extend beyond zoning or community opposition to include economics and funding. “Affordability is largely a function of subsidy,” he said, “and Long Island doesn’t get its fair share.” Alexander noted that although Long Island accounts for 15 percent of New

York’s population and contributes over 2 percent in taxes, it receives only about 3 percent of the state’s affordable housing funds. “People want walkable downtowns, community, affordability, safety,” he said. “We can have all of that, but it has to come from within.” Vision Long Island also collaborates with the Long Island Housing Partnership, the region’s oldest affordable housing organization. Since 1988, President Peter Elkowitz has led its mission to preserve affordability while respecting Long Island’s suburban character. Their efforts focus on accessory dwelling units, targeted zoning reforms, and large-scale redevelopment designed to fit into existing communities. Long Island’s complex governance — two counties, 13 townships and 95 villages — adds hurdles, with overlapping approvals from school districts, health departments, and sewer authorities slowing progress, Elkowitz said. “We are inundated with different levels of government that also have overlapping responsibilities,” he said. Programs like down payment assistance, offered through county and town governments, remain key to making homeownership more accessible. Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs — small units within or beside singlefamily homes — are also growing in popularity, helping homeowners offset taxes and support multigenerational living, the Long Island Housing Partnership’s executive vice president, James Britz, said. “You’re renovating a single-family home, you’re not creating density in those cases,” Britz said. ADUs have been implemented in several Suffolk towns, including Huntington, Southold, Brookhaven, and soon Riverhead and Islip, while new developments are incorporating them from the start. A Bellport project will add 32 single-family homes with ADUs, and in Bay Shore, a multi-phase revitalization replaced blighted blocks with 118 new homes, sparking further investment and transforming the neighborhood. Advocates stress that there’s no onesize-fits-all solution, but sharing successes, prioritizing quality design and engaging communities early can build support, Elkowitz said. “If you do it right and you include the community, and you include something aesthetically pleasing and creative, the community usually gets behind you,” he said.

State efforts to provide affordable housing have faced backlash on L.I. To address the state’s housing shortage, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the New York Housing Compact, which aimed to build 800,000 homes over the

Herald file/Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Then Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, center right, joined by other Long Island officials in 2023, opposed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Housing Compact. next decade. The plan, proposed for the 2024 fiscal year Executive Budget, included statewide zoning mandates requiring suburban towns to allow higher-density development near transit. The initiative was intended to address New York’s housing shortage: 1.2 million jobs had been added over the previous decade, but only 400,000 homes had been built. In that time, rents had risen 60 percent, and home prices 50 to 80 percent. According to the governor’s office, restrictive zoning, red tape and lengthy approvals had made building new housing more difficult. “The New York Housing Compact is a comprehensive plan to spur the changes needed to create more housing, meet rising demand, and make our state a more equitable, stable, and affordable place to live,” Hochul stated in a news release. The initiative faced strong opposition throughout the state, with over 200 elected officials in both parties voicing their opposition, according to Alexander. “It was completely out of touch — designed to help New York City developers build more cheaply out here,” he said. Long Island elected officials argued that the compact would strip local control over zoning. In March 2023, a month before the 2024 state budget deadline, local leaders — including former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin — gathered at the Capitol in Albany, promoting a petition signed by more than 20,000 residents against the initiative. “Removing the ability for local municipalities to oversee their housing development is wrong,” Clavin said, “and that’s why we brought a collective voice from all over New York state to Albany.” State Sen. Steve Rhoads called the housing plan “reckless and irresponsi-

ble,” saying residents should have a say in their communities. “Allow those of us who actually know Long Island, the streets of Syracuse or Buffalo, to determine what we are going to do with respect to our own jurisdictions and housing,” Rhoads said. According to reports, Hochul’s housing compact was pulled from the 2024 state budget after receiving little legislative support, but the state has made progress in expanding affordable housing. In February, the State Senate advanced a package of affordable housing bills aimed at helping homeowners and renters, including a home savings program for first-time buyers, free counseling and legal services through the Homeownership Protection Program, and a two-year look-back for senior and disability rent increase exemptions. The bills are currently awaiting action in the Assembly.

Pro-Housing Community Program sees strong support in Suffolk, but not Nassau After the Housing Compact plan collapsed, Hochul signed Executive Order 30 in July 2023, creating the Pro-Housing Communities program, which provides up to $650 million annually to communities that commit to modestly increasing housing supply. To date, over 340 communities have been certified. “There’s only one solution to New York’s housing affordability crisis: we’ve got to build more housing,” Hochul said in a statement. “The ProHousing Communities initiative is delivering the incentives communities are looking for, and this latest round of grant funding will make a real difference in every region of New York.” Downstate municipalities can earn ConTInueD on neXT paGe

State incentives feed local development fears Pro-Housing Community certification by showing 1 percent housing growth in the past year or 3 percent over the past three years, or by committing to future development through a Pro-Housing Resolution. Localities must earn Pro-Housing Communities certification to access key discretionary funding programs, which includes the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the NY Forward program, the Long Island Investment Fund, and the Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program. Suffolk leads Nassau in Pro-Housing certifications and letters of intent, reflecting a regional shift toward broader policy acceptance. A Herald analysis, which accounts for land mass and acreage, shows that about 58 percent of Suffolk communities are certified or have submitted a letter of intent, compared to roughly 13 percent in Nassau. Although several municipalities in the Town of Hempstead — such as Valley Stream and Freeport — are certified as Pro-Housing Communities, the town itself is not and has no plans to seek certification. The Village of Hempstead, however, recently earned certification, as development began on two buildings by Conifer-LeChase Construction with 258 affordable units, plus a 96-unit apartment complex on Bedell Street, half reserved for veterans, making it eligible for a $10 million Downtown Revitaliza-

Illustration by Ainsley Martinez

Suffolk leads nassau in Pro-Housing certifications, with about 58 percent of communities participating versus 13 percent, signaling broader regional acceptance in Suffolk. tion Initiative grant. In 2019, the state selected the township to receive a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award for Baldwin. Its assets — including the Long Island Rail Road, strategic downtown investments, and infrastructure improvements — positioned it as an ideal candidate with a head start on the process. “Currently, two housing projects contained within the DRI are underway in Baldwin, with another two projects in the planning phase, and another transit-

oriented development is approaching completion in West Hempstead,” Brian Devine, the Town of Hempstead’s director of communications, said. The town’s efforts to address affordable housing didn’t start with Baldwin. The Archstone Westbury project, which opened in 2006 at Meadowbrook Crossing, provided 396 units. According to Devine, it was the first Long Island project with an affordable housing component, with 20 percent of units designated as affordable and 10 percent specifically for residents ages 62 and older.

Except for the Village of Farmingdale, the Town of Oyster Bay is also not part of the Pro-Housing Community program. Public Information Officer Brian Nevin said that such programs come with strings attached, pressuring municipalities to meet “unrealistic growth quotas” that could strain infrastructure, schools and public safety while raising taxes for current homeowners. “The Town of Oyster Bay has consistently opposed Albany’s one-size-fits-all housing mandates,” Nevin said in an emailed statement, “which fail to recognize the unique character and alreadydeveloped nature of our suburban communities like ours.” Nevin added that the town is committed to development that balances growth with preserving suburban quality of life. Nearly 500 residential units are underway in Hicksville, including mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. The town, he said, is encouraging the state to remove “unrealistic mandates” and return to the original Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which has proven successful in Hicksville, Westbury and other nearby communities. “Our priority is to promote affordable and attainable housing options in a way that protects taxpayers and maintains the character of our neighborhoods,” Nevin said, “without ceding local control to Albany bureaucrats.”

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

Continued from PreViouS Page

August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

‘Bus tour’ transforms local streets into school pop-up hubs The Uniondale School District brought school spirit directly to its neighborhoods Saturday with its third annual My Brother’s Keeper Back-toSchool Bus Tour, a mobile celebration aimed at energizing students and families ahead of the new academic year. School Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil led the effort alongside members of the district’s My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper programs, the Superintendent’s Student Council, and Uniondale High School’s cheerleading and kickline teams. The school bus made five stops throughout the morning, distributing free backpacks and school supplies to students of all grade levels. The tour began at 9 a.m. at School Drive and Bond Street and continued to stops across the district, including Northern Parkway and Cottage Street, Lawrence Street and Warren Street. Crowds of students and parents gathered at each location to pick up supplies and learn about registration, back-to-school procedures, the parent portal and how to sign up for the district newsletter. Cheerleaders and kickline performers greeted attendees with energetic routines, helping create a festive, welcoming atmosphere. District staff and student volunteers handed out bags packed with notebooks, pencils and other essentials, while answering questions from parents preparing for the start of school. The event wrapped up at around noon at Marginal Road and Pemaco

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Community Cares Uniondale volunteers, joined the effort to provide school supplies to incoming students in the community. Lane, ending a half-day tour that highlighted community connection and academic readiness. — Stacy Driks

Uniondale students and community stand by the second stop: The corner of Northern Parkway and Cottage Street one of the school buses on Aug. 16.

Sharita Jackson, assistant principal of Northern Parkway Elementary School, left, with Tanisha Tingle-Smith, a local volunteer helping distribute school supplies to kids.

Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, a Uniondale native, joined the backpack giveaway for the first time, marking her debut at the annual event and connecting directly with families in her district.

Concerned about impact of Medicaid cuts agriffin@liherald.com

Courtesy Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s office

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voices of people who were impacted by substance use disorder are amplified,” Reynolds said, “and that the potential consequences associated with this are well known, and we’re going to continue to do that as well.” Gillen said she was fighting to ensure that Long Islanders who need Medicaid will retain their coverage, and with it their necessary treatments. A $7 million clinic project being developed for the Westbury community

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As they discussed what are considered to be the harmful impacts of Medicaid cuts included in the Republican tax bill signed into law last month, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen and Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds toured THRIVE Nassau in Westbury on Aug. 18. Reynolds is CEO of the Family and Children’s Association Long Island, a nonprofit that offers assistance to Long Island’s most vulnerable residents, with help in areas such as substance abuse, youth services and mental health. “We really wanted to make sure that people know about the really devastating impact the big, not beautiful, bill is going to have on our community — not just those in need, but all across our community, the threat to health insurance,” said Gillen, who also met with THRIVE’s staff and clients. “So many people, 1.5 million New Yorkers, are going to lose their health insurance.” THRIVE Nassau, created in 2019 by the Family and Children’s Association, provides a safe and supportive environment for patients’ recovery from addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling. THRIVE, which stands for transformation, healing, recovery, inspiration, validation and empower ment, offers interactive educational programs, peer-based support and more.

by the Family and Children’s Association would have provided an integrated clinic with support for substance use, mental health care and some primary care as well. But the future of Medicaid coverage and federal grants for next year and 2027 is currently unclear, so the project was canceled. THRIVE is far from the only program in Nassau County concer ned about the future not only for their prog rams, but their patients as well. Among the others is Confide Counseling Center, in Rockville Centre, which offers a substance abuse outpatient program staffed with addiction specialists, social workers and more. “We hope it’s not to the point where benefits are removed from patients to access the services provided,” Confide told the Herald. The concer ns among nonprofits focus not only on coverage for their patients, but potential cuts to their grant funding. Without that funding, programs like THRIVE wouldn’t be able to treat patients regardless of the status of their health insurance coverage. Some programs and services will be able to continue operating as planned. Integrity Treatment Partners, in Baldwin, is not at risk of losing funding, and there is currently no threat to its patients’ coverage for drug and alcohol treatment, according to partner Josh Goldfeder.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN

Over 40 arrested in county gang crackdown By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

One of the largest gang takedowns in Nassau County history unfolded from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18, apprehending alleged members of the MS-13, 18th Street and Trinitaros street gangs. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, District Attorney Anne Donnelly and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted the more than 40 arrests at a news conference at Nassau County Police Department headquarters on Aug. 19. “We had a very important sweeping pickup of people that were dangerous to our community and the whole region, not just Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “We want to send a clear message that gang activity in Nassau County will not be tolerated. “We in Nassau County are grateful for the federal partnership that we have with ICE, FBI, DEA and other agencies,” he added. “As a result, we are a safer community.” Undercover NCPD officers worked with federal agencies, including Immigration Customs and Enforcement and the FBI, in an intensive multi-day search to arrest the alleged gang members and charge them with a variety of crimes. “In total, we had 42 arrests over the four days,” Ryder said. “This is like

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman with a weapon obtained during a gang-related arrest, at a news conference on Aug. 19. playing Whac-a-Mole. You poke your head up, we’re going to knock it back down. “We promised in the beginning that we were going to go after the worst of the worst,” he added. “You’re looking at it on the screen, that is the worst of the worst — and we’re not done yet.” The team was formed quickly after a home invasion and shooting on Aug. 9, according to Ryder, which was followed

by a stabbing that night and another shooting on Aug. 12, involving members of MS-13 and the 18th Street gang. Among the incidents was an attack and attempted robbery in Hempstead’s Kennedy Park, where a young pedestrian was injured with a machete and chased for two miles by four men involved with MS-13, Ryder said. The victim ran from Kennedy Park to Roosevelt, where he evaded the men.

Suspects are now being held in various jails and ICE detention facilities. Half of them are alleged gang members, authorities said. “I am pleased to say that 33 of these offenders are in ICE custody without bond pending removal,” ICE Field Office Director Bryan Flanagan said. “ICE is working diligently to implement the administration’s goals, to clear the backlog of illegal aliens that pose a threat to the security of our communities.” During the arrests, law enforcement recovered hatchets, knives, machetes and a loaded firearm, which were displayed at the news conference, as well as cameras and hand radios. The charges against those taken into custody included home invasion, attempted murder, sex trafficking and other felonies, Blakeman said. “These arrests are a testament to how committed we are in Nassau County to dismantling gangs and their toxic influence in our communities,” Donnelly said. “My office will continue to work closely with Commissioner Ryder and the Police Department to investigate, prosecute and take down criminal organizations that put families at risk. Thanks to the cooperation between agencies, the D.A.’s office was able to bring charges against 13 alleged MS-13 gang members connected with “brutal attacks” at the end of 2024, Donnelly added.

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

CoNtiNUed fRoM page 1

Scianablo challenges Ferretti’s appointment By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Joseph Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, filed a lawsuit in Nassau County Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the appointment earlier this month of his Republican opponent, John Ferretti, calling it an illegal power grab that gives Ferretti, already a Nassau County legislator, the advantages of incumbency. Town officials, however, defended the appointment, saying it was made in full accordance with the law. Scianablo, a Garden City resident, sought to contest what he described as a GOP power grab and overturn Ferretti’s appointment. “What happened the other day in the Town of Hempstead was not democracy, it was political theater,” Scianablo said. “The script was written well in advance, the stage was set, but the taxpayers were locked out of the room.” Scianablo appeared with supporters outside the courthouse, nearly three weeks after Ferretti’s appointment on Aug. 5, the same day Supervisor Don Clavin resigned. Ferretti, of Levittown, was sworn in as interim supervisor. As a county lawmaker, he represented Levittown, Bethpage, North Massapequa, and parts of Farmingdale. Scianablo’s lawsuit alle ges that Republican officials violated the state’s

Charles Shaw/Herald

Joe Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, with supporters outside Nassau County Supreme Court on Monday after filing a lawsuit challenging John Ferretti’s appointment to the post. Public Officers Law, which requires 24 hours’ public notice for resolutions scheduled at meetings. Attorney Josh Kelner, who is representing Scianablo in the lawsuit, stated in a news release that the violations are “clear-cut.” “The Public Officers Law is explicit: public bodies must give notice so that citizens can make their voices heard before major decisions are made,” Kelner said. “The Town of Hempstead’s failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a clear violation of the statute.”

Ferretti’s appointment, Scianablo contends, was prearranged, and Ferretti acknowledged that both his and Clavin’s resignations were planned days in advance. The official meeting agenda for Aug. 5 omitted the resignation and appointment, but quietly transferred Clavin’s salary to fund Ferretti’s new role. In a statement emailed to the Herald, Brian Devine, director of communications for the Town of Hempstead, called the lawsuit a “publicity stunt” and added that the appointment did not

break any laws. “Supervisor Ferretti’s appointment was made in complete accordance with the law,” Devine wrote. “Scianablo even acknowledged this point when he announced his backing for legislation to amend the law with regard to local government succession of officials. This is a silly and disingenuous maneuver that will cost taxpayers money as a result of Scianablo’s frivolous lawsuit.” In June, Scianablo proposed an ethics-reform bill aimed at banning the practice of appointing town supervisors without a public election. In a longstanding pattern in the Town of Hempstead, six out of the last 10 supervisors, according to Democrats, were appointed rather than elected, often behind closed doors. Scianablo’s bill would prohibit midter m appointments to the town supervisor position and require a special election instead, ensuring, he has said, that residents — not political insiders — choose who leads the town. Scianablo, a veteran of the Marines and a former New York City police officer, argued that Ferretti’s appointment gives him the advantages of incumbency, including name recognition through taxpayer-funded mailers, public signage, media coverage and appearances at town events. “This is not democracy,” Scianablo said. “This is rigging the game on the taxpayers’ dime.”

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August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

STEPPING OUT

The longtime festival returns with another lively tribute to the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’ By Iris Wiener

ecause Al Jolson is forever embraced by many as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” celebrating him every year has become an unmissable tradition. The Al Jolson Society is ready with the 26th edition of its annual festival, on Sept. 6, when guests will enjoy an exciting day of music, memorabilia and laughs. Jolson once said: “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” It was immediately clear to audiences that there was an incredible amount to which they would want to respond. The star of the ﬁrst talking picture, 1927’s “The Jazz Singer,” Jolson was an eponymous performer famous for his work in vaudeville and musical theater. In fact, there’s a street named after him on Broadway outside of the Winter Garden Theatre, where he sold out nine vaudeville musical revues. This is why Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society president and founder, feels it’s important to remember his stamp on entertainment as we now know it. “I always tell people that he was the ﬁrst superstar before that phrase was coined,” says Hernstat. “He was an international star at a • Sept. 6, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Information and tickets time when there was no available at Jolson.org or real media to promote call Jan Hernstat at what he did. There (516) 678-3524. wasn’t radio and TV. For • Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park somebody to be as big as he was worldwide. At a time when there was nothing to promote yourself, it really talks about your talent. You think of him and the guys who followed him, and there are so few people in the same category. Frank Sinatra. The Beatles. Bing Crosby. Elvis Presley. “This is why I’m celebrating his talent, his singing and his voice. He was an incredible star. I think it’s important for us to remember who he was and what he did.” The word “celebration” is an understatement when considering the many experiences planned for festival guests. One of the highlights is the auction of Jolson items. “We have a lot of good stuff up for auction that we haven’t had in the past,” Hernstat says. “People donated collections that go back 60 or 70 years. If someone comes as a collector, they would really enjoy it!” The schedule includes a number of unique performances and a luncheon buffet. Eddie Cantor’s grandson, Brian Gari, will be on hand to share stories and greet lucky attendees. Ed Greenbaum will once again be sharing his audio rarities. This year’s festival is serving up unique comedy with new acts from some old favorites. Noah Diamond demonstrates the iconic humor of Groucho Marx with

‘Well my heart went boom…’

Courtesy Jan Hernstat

Tony B gives a rousing rendition of the Jolson standards, an annual festival performance not to be missed.

a re-creation of a radio program the comedian did with Jolson. The unforgettable Bob Greenberg and Jonathan Smith (who have previously graced the stage as Laurel & Hardy) change gears this year and take on Abbott & Costello (expect to hear a rendition of “Who’s On First?”). Jeff Greenberg is returning with his delightful comedy. Plus, for the first time, guests will enjoy Jack West’s comedic stylings as he takes on the great Jack Benny. No Al Jolson Festival is complete without the main event, the musical stylings of Tony Babino. Known as “The Heart of Al Jolson,” Babino performs an entire concert tribute to Jolson, including hits “My Mammy” and “Swanee.” “He gets better every year,” says Hernstat of Babino. “One of the main reasons that we can continue to do things like this is because we have a Courtesy Jan Hernstat guy like Tony who is so talented and Al Jolson in a scene from his fi lm “The Singing Kid” sounds so much like Jolson. It’s a joy. in 1936. It was his final lead role in a musical film. Nobody else does what he does like he does it.” A part of what makes the full-day festival so special is that enthusiasts from all over come together to reflect on their shared passion. Hernstat says guests will be traveling from Philadelphia, New Jersey and even Kansas City to be in a room of likeminded individuals who appreciate Jolson’s magic. “Where can you go nowadays to see the old-time entertainers recreated?” asks Hernstat, as he considers the unique programming planned for the day. “[For us Long Islanders] it’s right in our backyard.” Hernstat hopes that through the work of the Al Jolson Society, members will be able to continue to reach out to Jolson fans who will help keep his legacy alive. “It’s harder and harder to find those people out there who are true Jolson fans. We’re not looking to convert anyone to become a Jolson fan; we just want to find the ones out there who are and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.”

Courtesy Iris Wiener

The festival “gang” includes, from left, Jeff Greenberg, Richard Halpern, Al Jolson Society President Jan Hernstat, vocalist Tony Babino, and Bob Greenberg.

Experience Beatlemania again when 1964 The Tribute brings the early 1960s Fab Four back to life. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best Beatles tribute on earth,” the band channels the pre-Sgt. Pepper era with uncanny authenticity — from period instruments and vintage suits to spot-on vocals and playful onstage banter. This meticulous re-creation captures the energy and joy of The Beatles’ early live performances, offering a rare chance to feel what it was like when Beatlemania swept the globe.“1964” captures the quintessential moment in history, when The Beatles actually played before a live audience. For those that never saw The Beatles live and always wanted to know what it must have been like, this may be as close as anyone could possibly get — to feel the magic.

Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. $82, $66.25, $54.75, $44.25, $31.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Brave Strangers Get ready to rock when Brave Strangers hits the stage with the music of Bob Seger. Founded by the passionate and talented Tony Paulino, this powerhouse 14-piece group delivers an authentic concert experience that captures the ﬁre, soul, and storytelling that made Seger a rock legend. From “Night Moves” to “Turn the Page” to “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Brave Strangers takes audiences on a high-energy ride through the songs that deﬁned a generation — and continue to win new fans today. With a three-piece female chorus line known as the Segerettes, the Runaway Train horn section, and a blistering eight-piece core band, their sound is as big and bold as the Motor City itself. If you’ve seen Seger live, you know the thrill. If you haven’t, this is the next best thing.

Friday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

Forever in tune with

August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Exhibit AUG On Nassau County

CALENDAR SEP

Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

AUG Rock on at the park

Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

SEP

Maren Morris

Maren Morris brings “The Dreamsicle Tour” to the Paramount stage with special guest Jade LeMac. Morris has broken boundaries, smashed records and affirmed herself as a dynamic vocalist, prolific songwriter and showstopping performer on her own terms. Among numerous accolades, she has garnered a Grammy, five ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, and three Billboard Music Awards. She has earned dozens of multi platinum and gold certifications worldwide and tallied billions of streams. Her catalog encompasses a trio of acclaimed albums, namely Hero (2016), Girl (2019), and Humble Quest (2022). Speaking to her versatility, she’s the rare force of nature equally suited to collaborating with Zedd on the 6x-platinum “The Middle” or duetting with everyone from Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow to Teddy Swims, Hozier, and Jessie Murph. Morris has sold out tours on multiple continents. Along the way, she also co-founded The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires. In September 2023, Maren shared The Bridge, an EP featuring “The Tree” and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” and followed with a cover of Billy Idol’s classic track “Dancing With Myself” in February 2024. She entered a bold new • Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington era with the release of her Intermission EP in August, which features “Cut!” and the MUNAproduced and playful single “Push Me Over.” Maren promises to be unapologetically herself • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: ticketmaster.com — and it shows in this music and in what is next to come. $114.25, $92, $71.75, $65.25. or paramountny.com

Elvis Crespo.

Get in the groove with Led Zeppelin tribute band Misty Mountain and The Who tribute band Who’s Next at Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Pterodactyl AUG Flyers

AUG Backpack giveaway

Don’t miss this free community event to help families gear up for the school year! Enjoy backpack giveaways, while supplies last, raffles, games, crafts, and activities for all ages. Explore community resources in health, wellness, education, training, sports, fitness, and more. Hosted by the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center. • Where: Cornelius Court Elementary, 1060 Cornelius Court • Time: Noon-4 p.m. • Contact: (516) 288-5138 or uerc.coordinator@gmail.com

Summertime tunes Eisenhower Park welcomes Puerto Rican merengue singer

Parti-gras at the park

Bring the family to Long Island Children’s Museum to find about Pterodactyls, which are not classified as dinosaurs. Learn about these flying reptiles, make a flying creature and watch it soar in our wind tube at the drop-in program. For ages 3+. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

SEP

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for the next storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Allison Sweet Grant’s “Leif and the Fall.” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to

Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

SEP

Art Talk

Join John Grande when he visits Nassau County Museum of Art. The New York-based artist reflects upon modern and contemporary culture with his constructed paintings, sculptures, and murals while carefully utilizing techniques and traditions as far-reaching those of Old Master painters, 19th-century artists to 20thcentury advertising and Pop Art. His subjects are diverse, often readily recognizable and at times quite humorous: from glamorous Hollywood stars to the art world itself and the grittier subjects of street art. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students, members free. Limited seating. Registration required. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

SEP

Movie matinee

Stop by Uniondale Public Library for a special screening of “Selena.” This biographical drama charts the extraordinary career and tragic death played by Jennifer Lopez. Rising from the Tejano music scene, pop sensation Selena captured hearts across the world as she crossed into mainstream success, becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to inspire.

Gatsby’s Swingin’ Scavenger Hunt

Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Gatsby in the Gardens: Art Deco Perspectives

Experience the glamour and bold design of the Roaring Twenties through contemporary artwork inspired by the opulence of Long Island’s Gold Coast. This juried exhibition at Light Court Hallway celebrates the era’s iconic fashion, architectureand luxury in true Art Deco style. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 2:30-4 pm. • Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220

SEP

In concert

Eisenhower Park welcomes country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde. She delivers tales of broken hearts and the honky-tonk life. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov • Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale • Time: 2 p.m. • Contact: (516) 489-2220

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.

Proposal aims to boost union oversight knew the Lawrence school system inside and out are now accused of turning that knowledge into profit, according to the a June news release from the Nassau County district attorney’s office. Prosecutors say that the Lawrence districts former facilities director, Scott Unger, and Joseph Greenblatt created their own company, then quietly steered more than $2 million in emergency HVAC and repair contracts its way between April 2023 and May 2024, splitting the profits. “What’s happening in these school districts, and what’s happening with these contractors, is they’re not only defrauding the taxpayers,” Durso said.

“The people that are footing the bill for these projects — they’re defrauding every single worker here.” In Uniondale, the case raises troubling questions about whether taxpayer dollars meant for school improvements were siphoned off through falsified records and phantom employees. The district’s school construction contracts, which were supposed to uphold strict wage and reporting standards, instead allegedly became a vehicle for fraud, leaving the community to wonder how much money actually went into renovating classrooms and how much lined the pockets of contractors.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 6:00-9:00PM The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York

Photo courtesy Jeff Rae

At a news conference on Aug. 15, Carpenters of New York City union employees Nathan Urena, Oscar Ore and Leon Hull displayed Nigel Joseph’s texts and phone messages.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT richnerlive.com/ healthcare-awards or scan here For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Amy Amato Executive Director, Corporate Relations and Events at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224

MEET THE 2025 AWARD WINNERS * KAREN BOORSHTEIN

CEO Family Service League

EMCEE

JORDAN BRODSKY, MD, FACR

KRISTIN THORNE

Executive Producer

SPECIAL AWARDS

Rheumatologist Rheumatology Consultants

THE CASEY SKUDIN 343 FUND

JOHN K. D’ANGELO, MD, FACEP

Founder Bellmore Dermatology

NICHOLAS DIPIETRO

VANESSA BAIRD-STREETER

President & CEO Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

MITCHELL GOLDSTEIN, MD

MICHAEL DOWLING

BERNADETTE RILEY, MD, D.O., M.S., FACOFP, DABFM

Weight Loss Doctor The Long Island Weight Loss Doctor

LINDA HARKAVY, MD

Founder/Owner Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness

President & CEO LiveOnNY

ANNE YEE FUN LIN, PHARM.D., FNAP

President Northwell Health: Glen Cove Hospital, Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital

ROB MILLER

KIMON BEKELIS, MD

General Manager & Senior Vice President, CITIZ3N Government Solutions, A SOFTHEON Brand Softheon

JESSICA COLON BOHANNON

Lead Licensed Clinical Social Worker Harmony Healthcare

Director The Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island Founder & Board President Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, Inc.

MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT

President & CEO Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation

Dean & Professor, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences St. John’s University

LEONARD ACHAN

Professor- Department of Family Medicine & Director, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Treatment Center NYIT

CATHERINE GOODZEI

Nephrology Practice Manager NYU Langone

HONOREES

SAMANTHA RENIERIS, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD

Senior Vice President & General Counsel The Speech Language Place

HOWARD GOODMAN, DC

Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, PC

DIMITRIA PAPADAPOULOS, MD

Clinic Director, Family Treatment and Recovery Centers Family & Children’s Association

President & CEO Northwell Health

POWER COUPLE AWARD

KAREN PAIGE, MBA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, CPXP, OCN

BRIAN CABEZAS

CEO - Elect Northwell Health

LORI ANDRADE

Executive Vice President Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

KELLY MURPHY

Senior Vice President & General Counsel Henry Schein

Executive Vice President & COO Episcopal Health Services

COO People’s Arc of Suffolk

DYNAMIC DUO AWARD

DONALD T. MORRISH, MD, MMM

CEO Episcopal Health Services

VANESSA MORILLO

KERRI SCANLON, RN, FAAN

ALLA SHANKMAN, MD

PM Pediatric Care

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC CENTER TEAM

Cohen Children’s Medical Center

*List in Formation

SARAH STONE

CHARITY BENEFICIARY

Founder Intentional Living Magazine

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

sor of the bill, appeared with Assembly colleagues Jake Blumencranz, Mike Durso and Judy Griffin at a news conference Aug. 15 outside Uniondale High School. Other attendees included State Sen. Mario Mattera; leaders of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties and the Mason Tenders’ District Council of New York and Long Island; and construction workers and victims of wage theft. The measure would require Long Island schools to hire local union workers for construction projects and ensure that they are paid properly. The push for legislative action comes in the wake of fraud allegations against Nigel Joseph, president of BWK Contracting Corp., who is accused of orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the federal government, the governments of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and his workers over several years, according to federal prosecutors. According to a court documents filed in United States of America v. Nigel Kenneth Joseph, investigators say Joseph failed to pay more than $3.6 million in payroll taxes between 2019 and 2021. He also allegedly falsified payroll records on public projects — including school construction in Uniondale — to make it appear that employees were paid statemandated prevailing wages. In reality, the documents allege, some workers were underpaid while others, including Joseph, his wife and acquaintances, were listed as laborers or foremen despite never working on site. And Joseph and others are accused of using falsified payroll certifications to obtain nearly $2 million in construction contracts. To support the fraud, Joseph is alleged to have stolen names and Social Security numbers from employees and acquaintances, which triggered identity theft charges. Text messages between him and employees that were reviewed by investigators allegedly show that he understood the risks, and acknowledged that he could “go to prison” for signing falsified payrolls while telling employees to “fake it until we make it.” The complaint charges Joseph with tax evasion, wire fraud, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Uniondale Schools Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil said in a statement on Aug. 14 that the district has not directly contracted with BWK; rather, the company is a subcontractor hired by the district’s general contractor, Borough Construction Group LLC, to perform masonry work on two capital projects. “Additionally, the District has no knowledge of, nor did it ever have direct contact with Mr. Nigel Joseph, president of BWK,” Darrisaw-Akil stated. “My father was exploited back in 1971 by his contractor, not getting paid his wage,” Durso said. “He went home and went to my mother, and said, ‘My boss ripped me off.’ How sad is this that we are here today?” There was a similar issue in the Lawrence school district, where two men

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CONtiNUed frOm pAge 1

August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

LUNI1 0828

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNICE OSUJI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, 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 September 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Campus Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 265 and Lot 67. Approximate amount of judgment is $525,746.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610628/2022. Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 221656-1 154970 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 OF RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST DARLENE ALLEN, CRAIG MCDONALD, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 25, 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 September 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 786 Winter Avenue, Uniondale, NY

11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50 Block 426 Lot 5. Approximate amount of judgment $599,566.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605703/2023. Ellen N. Savino, Esq ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003364 86177 154880

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Dated: 6/30/2025 File Number: 38959 MB 154840

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, in trust for the registered holders of Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff AGAINST Kimberly Canales; Bessy Guevara; Raymond Canales; Libanesa Canales; Gloria Canales a/k/a Gloria Del Carmen Ramirez; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 17, 2025, at 4:00PM, premises known as 299 Locust Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 50 Block 47 Lot 14 & 15. Approximate amount of judgment $947,929.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008608/2014. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine” Thomas Montiglio, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175

516-569-4000 x232

or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for HIS Asset Securitization Corporation Trust 2006-HE1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-HE1, Plaintiff, Against Ramon A. Flores, Sulma Y. Flores, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/10/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 9/9/2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 580 Park Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York Section 36 Block 141 Lot 19 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $294,391.62 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 611797/2023

Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: July 24, 2025 For sale information, please v i s i t Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 86540 155071

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. MTAG, AS CUSTODIAN FOR ALTERNA FUNDING I, LLC, Pltf. vs. DANIEL C. BROWN, et al, Defts. Index #002241/2017. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Nov. 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 371 First Place, Uniondale, NY a/k/a School District 2, Section 50, Block 109, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $21,571.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ADRIENNE FLIPSE HAUSCH, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY 10019. File No. 700999.132 #102478 155086 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2013-TT2, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. CALIPH GRAHAM A/K/A CALIPH A. GRAHAM, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Default Judgement and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 15, 2019, 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 September 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1271 Walnut Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. 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 50, Block 54 and Lot 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $704,613.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003006/2017. Cash will not be accepted. Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155254 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at

516-569-4000 x232

or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, BS Trustee for GSAMP Trust 2006FM1 Plaintiff, Against Rafael Siguenza, Blanca Siguenza, Rafael Siguenza, Jr.; Jose Siguenza Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/11/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 9/23/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 722 Martin Dr., Uniondale, NY 11553, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 50 Block 371 Lot 19 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $833,307.64 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 604445/2023 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Dated: 6/2/2025 File Number: 38681 CA 155264 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR WACHOVIA LOAN TRUST 2005-SD1 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-SD1, -againstLESLY ROSEMOND, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 16, 2023, wherein CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR WACHOVIA LOAN TRUST 2005-SD1 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-SD1 is the Plaintiff and LESLY ROSEMOND, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 24, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 760 CAMPUS ST, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-285-116. 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, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615208/2019. John J. Fellin, Esq. Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York

11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155270 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN) Windward Bora, LLC.; Plaintiff v. Junia Montour, et al; Defendants Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 11/13/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. On September 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM Premises known as 498 Duryea Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 and identified on the Nassau County Tax Map as Section: 0034 Block: 00343-00 Lots 11,12 All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, City and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $222,858.02 plus interest and costs. Docket Number: 2:23cv-3654 Dominic Famulari, Esq., Referee 155196 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU 21st Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST The Estate of Hertha Mintah a/k/a Hertha Felicia Mintah a/k/a Hertha F. Mintah, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 31, 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 September 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM, premises known as 159 Gilroy Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50, Block: 40, Lot: 279. Approximate amount of judgment $506,494.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009876/2015. Peter Lawrence Kramer, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 1 1706 01-096978-F00 86899 155226 LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE SESIÓN SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE UNIONDALE MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NEW YORK A LOS RESIDENTES DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE UNIONDALE SE DA AVISO POR LA PRESENTE que de acuerdo con la Sección 215 Sub Parte 9A y 10 de la ley Municipal de Estado de New York, una sesión pública va a tener lugar en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale, el jueves, 4 de septiembre de 2025 a las 7pm, ubicado en la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, para el propósito de repasar la inspección pública de la estimación de los gastos e ingresos propuestos para el distrito para el año 2026. SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que una copia de los gastos e ingresos propuestos estará disponible para la inspección en la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale en 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale entre las horas de 10am y 4pm lunes a viernes, excepto los días feriados. Los gastos e ingresos propuestos serán publicados online e n www.uniondalelibrary. org. Fechado: Uniondale, New York

LUNI2 0828

el 26 de agosto de 2025 POR ORDENANZA DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE UNIONDALE 155308

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION UNIONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS AND VOTERS OF THE UNIONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with Section 3 of Chapter 779 of the Laws of 1964 of the State of New York, as amended by Chapter 511 of the Laws of 2021, an election will be held in the Uniondale Public Library District on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the polls to be open between the hours of 3 o’clock p.m. and 9 o’clock p.m. at the Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, in said District, for the purpose of electing a Library Trustee for a five (5) year term to succeed Deborah R. Mabry whose term expires December 31, 2025 and electing a Library Trustee for a two (2) year term to fill the unexpired term of office of a vacancy created by the resignation of Olena Nicks, whose term expires on December 31, 2027. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Uniondale Public Library District held on the 20th day of August, 2025, candidates shall set forth the Library Trustee seat for which they shall run and shall file their names with the clerk of the Library District, Ms. Joyce L. Nolan, at the Uniondale Library, Uniondale, New York. Petitions must be returned to the Library by close of business on September 16th, 2025. Such nomination shall be submitted in petition form, subscribed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District. Such form of petition may be picked up at the Uniondale Public Library beginning August 29th, 2025. Resident

electors are eligible to hold the office of Library Trustee. Every elector qualified to vote in the preceding General Election of the Town of Hempstead and who shall have resided in Uniondale Public Library District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the 16th day of October, 2025, shall be qualified to vote for Library Trustee at this election. Dated: U n i o n d a l e, New York August 22, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES DEBORAH R. MABRY JAXON A. BROWN JESSICA ELLERBE DAVID SWEET CYNTHIA L. BOHANAN Library Trustees JOYCE L. NOLAN Library District Clerk WILLIAM DEWITT Library District Attorney 155309 PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE UNIONDALE MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NEW YORK A LOS ELECTORES CALIFICADOs Y VOTANTES DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE UNIONDALE SE DA AVISO POR LA PRESENTE que de acuerdo con la Sección 3 del Capítulo 779 de las Leyes de 1964 del Estado de Nueva York, según hayan sido enmendadas por Capítulo 511 de las Leyes de 2021, una elección va a tener lugar en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública el jueves, 16 de octubre de 2025, el lugar de votación estará abierto entre las horas de 3 y 9 pm en la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, en el Distrito ya mencionado, para el propósito de elegir un Fideicomisario para un período de cinco años para suceder a Deborah R. Mabry cuyo término vence el 31 de diciembre de 2025 y elegir un Fideicomisario para un período de cargo de dos años para completar la vacante debida a la renuncia del Fideicomisario Olena Nicks, cuyo término vence el 31 de diciembre de 2027.

SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que de acuerdo con una resolución adoptada en una reunión de los Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale que tomó lugar el día 20 de agosto de 2025, los candidatos expondrán el escaño de Fideicomisario para el cual se presentarán y presentarán sus nombres a la secretaria del Distrito de la Biblioteca, la Sra. Joyce L. Nolan, en la Biblioteca de Uniondale, Uniondale, New York. Las peticiones tienen que ser devueltas a la Biblioteca al final del día laboral del 16 de septiembre de 2025. La nominación tiene que ser entregada en la forma de petición, firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito. La forma de petición puede ser recogida en la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale a partir del 29 de agosto de 2025. Electores con residencia son elegibles para ocupar el cargo de Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca. Cada elector calificado para votar en la Elección General del Municipio de Hempstead y quien haya vivido en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale por un período de treinta (30) días antes del día 16 de octubre de 2025, será calificado para votar para Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca en esta elección. Fechado: Uniondale, New York el 22 de agosto de 2025 POR ORDENANZA DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA DEBORAH R. MABRY JAXON A. BROWN JESSICA ELLERBE DAVID SWEET CYNTHIA L. BOHANAN Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca JOYCE L. NOLAN Secretaria del Distrito de la Biblioteca WILLIAM DEWITT Abogado del Distrito de la Biblioteca 155310 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING UNIONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE UNIONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with Section 215 Sub Part 9A and 10 of the laws of New York State Town Law, a public hearing will be held by the Uniondale Public Library District on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 7pm located at the Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, for the purpose of review and public inspection of the estimate of proposed expenditures and revenues by the district for the year 2026. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the proposed expenditures and revenues will be available for inspection at the Uniondale Public Library at 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale between the hours of 10am to 4pm Monday through Friday, except holidays. The proposed expenditures and revenues will be posted online at www.uniondalelibrary. org. Dated:Uniondale, New York August 26, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES UNIONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY 155307

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL CARROLL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 22, 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 October 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 617 Wellelein Road, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36, Block: 140, Lot: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $700,140.60 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011317/2011. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001120 86452 155343 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff against ANGELA LATTA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 16, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 711 Park Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553. Sec 50 Block 418 Lot 16. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $586,278.38 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 009001/2015. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # LHFJN017 155384 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO: 609477/2023 D/O/F: 06/15/2023 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Premises Address: 749 Barry Place, Uniondale, New York 11553 Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situated. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS3, Plaintiff, -againstUnknown heirs at law of KIM HUGHES, her next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; DISTRICT COURT OF NASSAU COUNTY, P.T.R.C., INC., LVNV FUNDING LLC, SHANYCE HUGHES AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE FOR THE ESTATE OF KIM HUGHES, CHARLES HUGHES, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE FOR THE ESTATE OF KIM HUGHES, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is

not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Rhonda E. Fischer, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered August 13, 2025 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on August 22, 2022, in Liber 46805, Page 418, covering premises k/a 749 Barry Place, Uniondale, NY 11553 a/k/a Section 50, Block 361, Lot 5. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed

or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE BE AWARE: (1) that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to: i. the use or threat of violence; ii. the use of obscene or profane language; and iii. repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass. (2) If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt: 1.Supplemental security income, (SSI); 2.Social security; 3.Public assistance (welfare); 4.Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support; 5.Unemployment benefits; 6.Disability benefits; 7 . W o r k e r s ’ compensation benefits; 8.Public or private pensions; 9.Veterans’ benefits; 10.Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and 11.Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days. TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. TO THE DEFENDANTS: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

Public Notices

August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON

Uniondale High alum embraces leadership role CONTINUed FrOM PAge 1

the opportunity to pose about 10 questions, making the session both engaging and impactful. “I didn’t think I was gonna get chosen,” Okoye said after the former president called on him to ask the final question. Inspired by the moment, he asked Obama how he prepared for his presidential speeches. “He took some time to think,” Okoye recounted, “and he just let us know … whether you like sports, whether it’s your career, whenever it’s something you’re passionate about, your hobby, just practice, practice, practice, practice.” Obama’s advice didn’t end there — he urged the group to read books, emphasizing the power of knowledge beyond screens. “He said, ‘Read a book — there’s so much knowledge in books that people don’t take advantage of,’” Okoye said. “‘If that’s one thing I could leave y’all

with, it’s just keep reading.’” Okoye took the former president’s advice to heart, and he said he is determined to keep learning and leading as he continues to uphold MBK’s Milestone 2, ensuring that children are reading at grade level by third grade. He is guided by the organization’s six milestones for youth success, which range from school readiness to post-secondary achievement to safety. For Okoye, the heart of his MBK experience is the deep sense of brotherhood he found among his fellow ambassadors. “It felt powerful, and I really mean it when I say that,” he reflected. “MBK stands for brotherhood — and I literally felt that, being on the trip with all of these guys. It felt like all of them wanted to give back to each other. “We all got accepted to the same position, and it felt like we were all meant to be there — empowering each other and empowering our communities,” he went on. “It was just the strongest bond, and

Ikenna Okoye, a My Brother’s Keeper ambassador from Uniondale, at the MBK Alliance convention in Washington in June.

Public Notices

LUNI3 0828

the sale of the mortgaged premises. Dated: Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791 516-921-3838 #102500 155299

LEGAL NOTICE File#: 637016 (B-04539-25) F.C.A. §§ 617; CPLR 315,316 G F - 3 0 (12/1997) FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU In the Matter of an Article 6 Termination of

Parental Rights File#: 637016 Proceeding Docket#: B-04539-25 Nassau County Department of Social Services (Petitioner) Donna Rose M. Stahl (Respondent) Henry M. Stahl (DOB: 10/19/2024) SUMMONS PUBLICATION (IN PERSON) To: Donna Rose M. Stahl LKA: 748 Goodrich Street Uniondale, NY 11553 A petition under Article 6 of the Family Court Act has been filed with this Court requesting the following reliefs: Termination of Parental Rights.

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear IN PERSON before this Court on: Date/Time/Part: September 16, 2025 at 02:30 PM in Part 2 Purpose: In Person Appearance and Conference Presiding: Hon. Robin M. Kent Location: 101 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 Floor: 2 Room: 2D to answer the attached petition and to be dealt with in accordance with the Family Court Act. Please bring this notice with you and check in with the Court Officer in the Part. Be sure to arrive at the courthouse prior to the

Photos courtesy Obama Foundation

Former President Barack Obama with Justin Harris, of MBK Chicago; Michael Muir, of MBK New York; Thomas Cruise, of MBK Salt Lake City; Jeremiah Bennett, of MBK San Antonio; and Ikenna Okoye, of MBK New York. leaving — we couldn’t wait till the next time we meet again.” Okoye first stepped into his role in his senior year at Uniondale High. “I wish I would have joined this program the second I got to high school,” he said. “I didn’t realize the potential that the program held. As I started becoming more acclimated, I realized the amount of experience it could give me, and just simply learning through my mentors and my peers and growing alongside them.” Now a second-year physical education major at SUNY Cortland’s Educational Opportunity Program, Okoye is balancing college life with his two-year MBK ambassadorship, which will include leading community projects, advocating for policy change and collaborating with peers from across the country. The MBK Alliance describes Okoye as “passionate about shifting perceptions of role models in Black communities away from gang culture.” As he continues to focus on [l milestone, he has taken the mission to heart in his community, spearheading the MBK Reads Initiative in Uniondale. Local MBK communities, like New York’s, run reading programs that pair culturally relevant books with mentorship to boost elementary and middle

school students’ literacy and critical thinking. “The way I’ve been contributing with my community is I’ve been tracking reading logs and data, contributing to students reading over the summer, and continuing that point of learning,” Okoye explained. Adren Wilson, vice president of Youth Opportunity Programs and executive director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, praised Okoye’s leadership. “Ikenna Okoye is a powerful young brother with a deep commitment to his community,” Wilson said. “He carries himself with remarkable grace, intellect, and purpose, and that’s exactly why he was chosen as an MBK Ambassador to represent the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. “We have every expectation that Ikenna will not only grow as a leader, but also make a real impact in Uniondale by inspiring his peers and opening new doors of opportunity for others,” Wilson added. As Okoye looks to the future, he carries with him a simple philosophy. “Never lose sight of gratitude, because gratitude goes a long way,” he said. “I just stay grateful for the little things, and it keeps me grounded.”

time listed above. Do not be late as there is a limited window of time for your case to be heard. If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Dated: July 31, 2025 John Aiken, Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Robin M. Kent of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County. 155031 Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

Jeremiah Bennett, of MBK San Antonio, left, and Ikenna Okoye, of MBK New York.

E1 08/28

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UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

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E2 08/28

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elcome to this Classic Center Hall Colonial, nestled in the picturesque neighborhood of Cathedral Gardens. Situated on an expansive 100 x 249 square-foot lot, this home offers timeless charm blended with modern updates throughout. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors and a large formal dining room featuring elegant built-in corner cabinets. The spacious eat-in kitchen boasts granite countertops, a center island, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy brick gas fireplace. The formal living room includes a wood-burning fireplace and leads to a newly renovated office or family room, offering flexible living space. Two updated half baths complete the first floor. Upstairs, the second level features a generous primary suite with ensuite bath, plus three additional bedrooms and a modern full bathroom.

Leon Sanchez Real Estate Owner/Broker Cell: 516-444-2779 Office: 516-599-2800 Newman Realty 341 Hempstead Ave. Malverne, NY 11565

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Did we have the right kind of engineer? Q. We were looking at our permit plans and noticed that they were stamped by an engineer we never met. I looked him up, and found out he’s a chemical engineer, but he sealed our plans for the structure. It made me wonder, can a chemical engineer do that, seal plans for structural? I know there are many different types of engineers from reading your column, like electrical engineer, mechanical, plumbing, etc. Can a chemical engineer be responsible for beams in our house? It just seems like the contractor, who took care of everything, just got a guy to stamp the plans. What can you tell us? A. That’s a great question, but you may find the answer confusing, as I did when I posed it to the Engineering Division of the New York State Office of the Professions. This is the board that qualifies professionals through exams, issues licenses and reviews complaints for prosecution. The person I spoke to was articulate and clearly had onte eeper been asked this question before. She stated that the state Office for Engineering Licensing does not license by “discipline.” This means they do not specifically differentiate among mechanical, electrical or plumbing engineers, and they “assume” the person providing the service will use good professional judgment. They also told me that a complaint can be filed if the person has acted in a way that shows they were not qualified or competent to perform the service. This means you would have a structural failure, revealing that the person acted outside the scope of their competency, education and training. In every instance, the answers I got were sprinkled with assumptions that a person would not knowingly practice in a field they were not qualified for. Clearly, or actually unclearly, the answer to your question would seem simple, but nothing I researched, and nobody I spoke to, had a clear answer, leaving it up to the licensed professional to “do the right thing.” I remember designing a large renovation for a family in which the father was an aeronautical engineer who had designed the wing attachments on aircraft. He asked to sit with me while I designed the main beams of his home. I took him, step by step, through the process, and he was very confident at the end that his home was structurally sound. Even though he had the capability to follow the process as an engineer, he didn’t do this kind of work, and admitted that it was different from what he did. It makes me wonder if the chemical engineer even knows his seal was being used for this structural design, or whether it was properly calculated. I often find that structure is over-compensated and more expensive than necessary in these instances. There are even cases of plans bearing the seal of people long deceased, so at least the chemical engineer is still alive to answer your question. Good luck!

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opinions

s many may know, I was raised in a family that was deeply involved in politics and government. My father, Donald DeRiggi, served as mayor of Glen Cove, a finance commissioner, a city councilman and a Nassau County court judge before he retired. For as long as I can remember, he taught us that it was a privilege to be a public servant, and that, even though governance may sometimes be contentious, it was important to govern fairly and in the best interDELiA ests of the people, DeRiGGi-WHiTTon regardless of political affiliation. The three and a half years of the administration of County Executive Bruce Blakeman have therefore been a jarring experience for me. His administration has erected countless roadblocks to shield itself from scrutiny — so much so that my colleagues Scott Davis and Debra Mulé were forced to sue the county executive to secure information about

his armed “militia” — including simple details about how its members are being trained, equipped, supervised and paid. Similarly, Blakeman’s administration has refused to say how the future of the Nassau University Medical Center would be protected. This regional hospital network is an essential safety net for the community, and must not be neglected. To get any answers, we’ve had to resort to using the Freedom of Information Act. It has been such a challenge that, after Matthew Bruderman was fired as the NUMC’s board chairman following the mysterious break-in and alleged theft of sensitive documents from his Centre Island home, we had no other recourse but to call on the FBI to conduct a probe and to demand a criminal investigation. As NUMC’s board spiraled out of control, the hospital’s leadership was accused of taking advantage of the public. After learning this summer that former CEO Meg Ryan was ousted after allegedly giving herself and 12 other employees $1 million in wages and leave payouts they were not entitled to, News-

day revealed that members of the top hospital brass were treating themselves to lobster dinners on the taxpayers’ dime while this essential facility was on the verge of collapse. You might think that Blakeman would rightly condemn such damaging behavior by appointees in such crucial roles, but to date his silence has spoken volumes. His actions have similarly sent a clear message demonstrating a lack of interest in fair, equitable and responsive government. We are continuing to fight for fairness in the distribution of Community Revitalization Program grants, where Blakeman’s partisan bias is obvious. To date, districts represented by Republicans have had a staggering 50 grant requests approved, while districts served by Democratic members have received zero approvals through the normal legislative process. In fact, the only grants we received came after we successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan — which required a 13-vote supermajority to pass — to force Blakeman to add funding for 14 CRP grants for first

e doesn’t appear interested in fair, equitable and responsive government.

responders, totaling $1.3 million, into the capital plan bond ordinance. More than 30 Democratic CRPs remain caught in the blockade. Specific to District 11, this includes $350,000 to improve Pascucci Field in Glen Cove, $275,000 for an all-ability playground in Port Washington, $110,000 to upgrade Maccarone Stadium in Glen Cove and $100,000 for a local history center at the Port Washington Library. These funds are not being held up on their merits. Rather, they’re being held up over partisan politics. During my two decades as a public servant and an elected official, I have learned that effective leaders, regardless of political affiliation, must not operate in secrecy. They must not demand political allegiance — and they must not unilaterally shut out opposition voices. To operate in a purely partisan manner, as the Blakeman administration has done for the past three and a half years, betrays the spirit of community service and our duty to fight for the greater good of the people — all of the people. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.

Finding the car keys in the refrigerator

here comes a time in family life when the balance of responsibility begins to shift. After decades of caring for our infants, toddlers and teens, and launching our children off to careers and relationships — and if we’re lucky, a decade or two, or even three, of joyful independence — we realize that we’re slowing down a bit. The grown children have their own years of freedom before new responsibilities as caregivers arise. Adult children begin to realRAnDi ize that they have KREiss aging parents. Older parents need an occasional hand up. But when to step in, exactly, and how much? Hear me: The critical factor is for kids to offer help without diminishing their parents. When your kids start checking up on you, if they want to do no harm, they best have a light touch and a sense of humor. Recently, one of our grown kids visited. “You’re walking really well, Mom,” he said. OK, I thought; he must have

read an article about older people having mobility issues. However, I am not one. I walk just fine. And fast. And steady on my feet. I let the moment pass. The next day he offered to arrange my pillbox. “What’s to arrange?” I said. I take two pills, and one of them is Vitamin D. On another visit, my daughter examined the house for “fall risks.” Despite her good intentions, I was not going to let her toss the Tabriz rug I personally carried back from Istanbul. There were other moments, like the kids saying, “You already told me that story,” or “Why not leave your car keys in the same place every day so you won’t keep looking for them?” My sonin-law spent at least an hour going through my pantry and tossing anything with an expired date. All of these intrusions come from a place of good intentions, but chuck that. It feels like hovering to me, and patronizing and ageist. I’ll know when I need help, and I won’t hesitate to ask. And yes, I realize this sounds slightly unreasonable. On the other hand, I am very grateful

to be living in a multigenerational family that keeps a watchful eye on us and visits often, even when we aren’t that much fun. We all know that millions of older people don’t have the blessings conferred by caring children. They may not get to go out or eat the right foods or enjoy the support of family and friends. I’m speaking from a point of privilege in that regard. This is tricky emotional terrain on all sides, best negotiated openly and with a light touch. With that in mind, I am ready now for my kids’ next visit/inspection next month. I put my shoes in the fridge and four cans of refried beans in the bathtub. Finding humor in advancing age isn’t always easy. Toward the end of my mother’s life, she lived with us for a few months. She had a helper who took her to the supermarket, where she enjoyed picking up a few things. One day they walked in the front door with a fresh challah bread. “Look at this bread,” my mom beamed. “It’s a beauty.” She forgot she had bought the same bread the day before. But before I could summon the grace required in the moment, I said, “That’s the second

hen your kids start checking up on you, they better have a sense of humor.

bread you bought for tonight.” That was seven years ago, and I can still see the flustered embarrassment on my mother’s face. We might have made a joke of it, but my tone was chiding, and I regret not summoning my better angels. Now that I am in my eighth decade, heaven help the kid who says, “You told me that already” or shows impatience when I can’t find my phone or walks around my house dimming the bright lights. The landscape of older age holds perils for me and some of my fellow boomers who may have replaced hips or knees or failing eyesight or chronic pain. Some of us can remember everything just fine. Some can remember everything, but not right away. Some can’t remember much. Kindness lies in not pointing out the lapses, but listening to a story a second time. When we’re among our own kind (that would be other older people), we make jokes about fading memory and increasing wrinkles. When our kids point out any diminishing capacities, it feels like a rebuke. My advice and wish: Walk more slowly, kids, when you walk alongside us; soon you will be walking in our footsteps. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

The Blakeman administration governs in secrecy

Herald editorial

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A school year of excitement and uncertainty

s August winds down, another academic year is approaching for Nassau and Suffolk’s 124 school districts. Yellow buses are getting their final inspections, teachers are setting up classrooms, and families are shopping for supplies with that mix of excitement and anxiety that marks the end of summer vacation. But this coming school year carries more uncertainty than usual. Long Island schools are preparing students for a world that seems to shift beneath our feet daily. Kindergartners are beginning their educational journey in schools grappling with fundamental questions about the future of education itself. While 5-yearolds will still learn to read and write, they will also encounter technology that was science fiction just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students access information, complete assignments and develop skills. The question isn’t whether AI will transform education — it’s how quickly, and whether our schools can adapt fast enough to harness its power while teaching students to think critically about its limitations. Teachers will learn alongside their students, figuring out when to embrace AI tools and when to insist on traditional methods. Administrators will write policies for technology they don’t yet fully understand. Parents will try to help with homework that involves apps and platforms they’ve never seen. We’re all on this learning curve together, and that’s not something to be embarrassed about — it’s the reality of living through a technological revolution. Perhaps nowhere is this uncertainty more acute than in our middle schools, where students are forming their first serious academic interests and beginning to imagine their futures. These young people will eventually graduate from high school and college into a job

market where artificial intelligence may have eliminated entire career categories while creating others we can’t yet envision. How do we prepare seventh-graders for careers that don’t exist? How do we teach them to value human creativity and critical thinking in an age of machine learning? Long Island’s high schools face an even more complex challenge. They must prepare students for college admissions that increasingly emphasize authentic achievement over test scores, in an environment where the priorities of colleges and universities have become politically charged. The specter of federal education cuts adds another layer of complexity. The proposed elimination of the Department of Education could reshape everything from special education funding to college financial aid. Programs that have supported Long Island students for decades — from Title I funding in our most challenged districts to federal student loans that make college accessible — face an uncertain future. Combined with rapid technological changes, the gap between Long Island’s poorest and most affluent school districts — sometimes right next door to one another — could expand to unthinkable size. We must not lose sight of districts that need resources the most. These potential cuts extend beyond education budgets. Federal research funding that has sustained STEM careers could evaporate. Environmental programs that employ thousands of Long Island residents hang in the balance. Government functions that provide stable middle-class employment may be transformed or eliminated. These challenges are causing real anxiety for families across the Island. Parents wonder whether they’re preparing their children adequately for an unknowable future. Students feel pres-

letters Extremism, too, will affect the world’s future To the Editor: Re Peter King’s column last week, “Isolation, antisemitism will affect the world’s future”: It seems the world has to wait for those who have survived the horrors of war to pass into history before it can be primed for the same mistakes to be made again. Ignorance or agenda rule the day, and people, as ever, are easily led by demagoguery. I find it frightening that neither party practices commonsense, moderate approaches to problems. Whereas once upon a time, the two political parties orbited closely around a center point, those halcyon days are but a dim memory. Nowadays, each party orbits far, far away from a center that I believe is the American character. The answer to our problems will not be

sure to make educational choices without knowing which paths will lead to viable careers. Teachers question whether their expertise remains relevant as technology advances. And all of this is compounded by the new statewide cellphone ban, whose consequences on learning, behavior and social dynamics are nervously anticipated by students, parents and teachers. The anxiety is valid and understandable. Rather than pushing these concerns aside or pretending everything is fine, our communities need to create spaces where families can voice their worries and seek support. School counselors, parent groups and community organizations must be prepared to help families navigate not just academic decisions, but the emotional toll of living with constant uncertainty. Success in this coming year won’t be measured solely in test scores or college acceptance rates, though those remain important. The real measure will be whether our students graduate with the adaptability to thrive amid constant change, the critical thinking skills to navigate an information landscape increasingly shaped by AI, and the resilience to build meaningful careers even as traditional paths disappear. Long Island has faced uncertainty before and emerged stronger. The key has always been acknowledging challenges honestly while focusing on what unites us: Ensuring that every child develops not just knowledge, but wisdom. As classroom doors prepare to open, we must acknowledge that we’re sending our children into uncharted territory. Our job — as parents, educators and community members — is to give them the tools to draw their own maps. School bells are about to ring. The future is speaking a language that we’re all still learning.

opinions

ffordable living in Nassau county is a great concern for most residents. as a former member of the Legislature’s Finance committee who now serves on the Rules committee, i have kept an eye on wasteful expenditures, missed opportunities for substantial revenue, and employment-generating projects. Nassau county residents deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. so let’s take a closer look. the county has lost two major development opportunities this year, one at the Uniondale hub sCott m. and another on DaVis the Nassau community college campus. in april 2023, county executive Bruce Blakeman, with great fanfare announced an agreement with Las Vegas sands for a $6 billion project at the hub anchored by a casino and resort. according to Blakeman, it was a can’t-miss opportunity that would transform the property occupied by Nassau Veterans Memorial coliseum. that can’t-miss opportunity missed. this april, the sands abruptly announced that it was no longer pursuing this project. also in 2023, NYU Langone, the coun-

ty and Ncc commenced negotiations to build a $3 billion medical facility on campus. Blakeman boasted that the project would create “the number one hospital in america.” this March, NYU Langone unexpectedly withdrew from the project, stating that “external factors” made the project “too burdensome to proceed.” With that, $9 billion in projected growth for Nassau’s future, thousands of construction jobs, employment opportunities and millions in tax revenue to sustain vital services were erased. critical investments for the greater good continue to stagnate. since 2022, the county has accrued nearly $100 million in opioid lawsuit settlement funds, but only $9.1 million has been disbursed to agencies for prevention, treatment and recovery services. the prevalence of opioid use requires an immediate and sustained response, and utilizing these settlement proceeds increases the likelihood of long-term success, which in turn lessens crime as well as the societal and financial burdens of addiction borne by us all. as for wasteful expenditures, Blakeman has nearly tripled the amount of money spent on outside counsel contracts to represent the county instead of using the county attorney’s office. according to Newsday, some of these

contracts went to firms that have donated to Republicans, including Blakeman. the cost of these contracts increased from $6 million in 2022 to over $20 million in 2024. Last year alone, the county spent nearly twice as much on outside counsel than on the entire county attorney’s office. in early 2024, with a Republican majority vote, the county’s $200,000 annual contract for legal advertisements with Newsday was canceled and replaced by the New York Post, even though Newsday published over 1,600 articles about Nassau county in 2024, whereas the Post published only 155. in January, Newsday sued the county, alleging First amendment violations and retaliation for news articles and editorials that county officials considered unfavorable. in May, the Republican majority in the Legislature authorized up to $1.7 million to retain a Manhattan-based law firm to defend the lawsuit, at a rate of $1,400 to $2,200 an hour. the administration and the legislative majority have also approved $3.2 million to fight a court ruling that Nassau county wrongfully charged more than $400 million in red-light camera ticket fees. they have not planned for the possibility that the county will be forced to return millions of dollars to impacted drivers. then there’s Blakeman’s provisional

ritical investments continue to stagnate, amid wasteful expenditures.

Letters found in jackboots, nor will they be discovered in those wearing flowers in their hair, but somewhere in between. RichaRd PeteRs Merrick

‘Hochul’s partisan war’ started in Texas, Jake to the editor: Re assemblyman Jake Blumencranz’s op-ed in the aug. 14-20 issue, “this ain’t texas: We must end hochul’s partisan war,” decrying the push for redistricting in New York: it’s hard to disagree with Mr. Blumencranz’s statement that “voters should choose their representation — not the other way around.” But then what, exactly, should New York do to counter texan efforts to subvert that very principle with their blatant attempt to create more Republican districts so that the house of Representatives represents only one party? We should certainly be above such partisan tactics. But we cannot passively be held to a higher standard while others are pushing us toward one-party rule. this is “hochul’s partisan war”? i suggest that Mr. Blumencranz address his valid concerns to the texas lawmakers. RichaRd schWaRz Bayville

Are those in power aware of seniors’ struggles?

deputy sheriff program, known as his “militia.” after he did not respond to our requests for basic information, in the interest of public safety and protecting taxpayers from exposure to financial liability, Legislator debra Mulé and i sued Blakeman — which could have been avoided if he had simply followed the law. it is important to note that, while our counsel in that case is pro bono, the administration has again retained outside counsel, at a cost of up to $200,000. as for county finances, the independent, nonpartisan Office of Legislative Budget Review recently reported that the Blakeman administration would be on pace to run a $100 million deficit in 2025, if not for the use of reserves made possible by last year’s one-time infusion of money from the federal american Rescue Plan act. in doing so, they have created the illusion of a balanced budget while, in fact, they are spending more than they are taking in. as we move forward, it is imperative to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and make fiscal decisions based on reasonable revenue projections. Blakeman is now crafting the 2026 budget during a time of tremendous uncertainty in which significant federal funding cuts are likely. We must be more fiscally prudent and not risk the county’s financial health by gambling on potential revenue sources that can disappear on a whim. Scott M. Davis represents Nassau County’s 1st District.

Framework by Caroline Opinsky

to the editor: senior citizens like me have had to adapt our purchasing habits, often choosing less expensive alternatives or forgoing some foods, like beef, completely. as reported, the major driver of the rise in the cost of beef is drought. so, what does President trump do? he ends all initiatives that would curtail climate change. that and imposing taxes (tariffs) on the beef we import has made seniors on fixed incomes think twice, not about whether they can afford steak, but hamburger meat. couple that with the deportation of america’s ranch hands and meat-packers, and some seniors are facing food insecurity for the first time. this disregard for senior citizens is apparent in local government, as well. a staggering 12.1 percent increase in hempstead’s tax levy at a time when many seniors are having a hard time brings it to a crisis level. While seniors struggle for sustenance, it is unconscionable that the town spends our tax dollars on raises to undisclosed friends and family and utilizes public funds for partisan campaign mailers. For the town to then hand out t-shirts that prominently list their candidates’ names at senior events shows a pro-

A summer day on the Mediterranean — Tel Aviv, Israel

found insensitivity to their plight. Reminds me of when trump tossed paper towels to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, underscoring the disconnect between those

in power and the communities they serve. cLaUdia BOReckY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON — August 28, 2025

All that glitters isn’t gold: a closer look at county finances

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August 28, 2025 — UNIONDALE HERALD BEACON