VALLEY STREAM
HERALD
Courtesy Village of Valley Stream Donald Duck, Snoopy and Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare joined the celebration during last year’s Halloween Family Fun Day, showing off their pumpkin-painting skills.
Village prepares for annual Halloween Family Fun Day
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Halloween Family Fun Day will return to Arthur J. Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream on Saturday — a longstanding village tradition that has been held annually for more than two decades.
The free event, organized by the Valley Stream Recreation Department, draws hundreds of children and families each year for a day of costumes, crafts and seasonal celebration. A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 25.
“Halloween is a ‘spook-tacular’ time for our children and families in Valley Stream,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “There are so many aspects of our Halloween Family Fun Day,
and it never gets old watching the excitement on children’s faces as they create their unique pumpkin designs and show off this year’s special costumes. The Village Board and our village staff work very hard to bring this joyful event to our families, and each year, it gets bigger and better. I hope everyone, young or young at heart, will attend.”
The day will begin with a special sensoryfriendly hour from 10 to 11 a.m., a feature introduced in recent years to make the event more accessible for children who prefer a quieter environment. Music will be turned down, crowds limited and activities paced differently to accommodate families who may find the atmosphere of the regular event
Domino night will celebrate community
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
A cherished tradition will return to the village on Friday, when the Valley Stream Latino Society hosts Noche de Domino, an event that has become a meaningful part of the community’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
The gathering will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. at VFW Post 1790, on Merrick Road, presented in partnership with Latina Moms Connect, the Puerto Rican Coalition for a Better Community and the VFW post.
What began as a simple idea among neighbors a few years ago has grown into a muchanticipated annual celebration. Inspired by a casual conversation online, when someone asked, “Who wants to play dominoes?” the first event, in 2022, drew an enthusiastic response from the community. Since then, Noche de Domino has
become a regular highlight of the season, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds around a game that carries deep cultural meaning for many Latino families.
For Maribel Padin-Canestro, a Valley Stream resident since 2004 and one of the founders of the Valley Stream Latino Society, the event represents more than a game night. She and other community members formed the organization in 2019 to strengthen cultural visibility and connection among Latino residents. Although Valley Stream is home to a large Latino population, she saw that cultural traditions were not always reflected in wider community life.
“I felt strongly that something meaningful needed to happen — not just to celebrate our culture, but to build bridges, create a support network and empower Latino voices,” Padin-Canestro said. “That’s
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things to know from the school board
Three things to know from the Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education meeting
The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education met on Oct. 7 to discuss administrative updates, programmatic initiatives and operational matters. Key topics included program support for students with special needs, technological updates for tracking student activities and the continuation of essential nutrition programs. The meeting highlighted the board’s commitment to student development, fiscal transparency and operational planning across the district.
n Continued support for the life skills program
Valley Stream South High School Principal Matthew Swinson presented on the school’s life skills program for students with special needs.
Swinson highlighted the board’s continued support and loyalty to the program, noting its role in fostering independence, communication and social engagement. Activities described included animal therapy, social gatherings such as Friendsgiving and participation in the Surf for All, an inclusive surfing program based in Long Beach.
As a gesture of appreciation, a commemorative gift, a decorated surfboard, was presented to the board. This segment underscored the strong partnership between school leadership and the board in sustaining the life skills program.
n Transition to “Pathways” platform
The board discussed the district’s transition from the “Passport for Good” platform to a new system called “Pathways.”
This platform is designed to track students’ civic readiness, volunteer hours, internships and workbased learning experiences. “Pathways” consolidates these tracking functions into a single system and aims to enhance usability for students, staff and potentially parents.
Unlike the previous system, it allows broader access to opportunities across the student body. During the meeting, the board discussed parental access and training for students on how to use the platform.
The transition was presented as a method to provide centralized tracking of student experiences, ensuring that volunteer, internship and work-based learning activities are recorded consistently.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage
— ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
n Renewal of the Community Eligibility Provision program
The board approved the renewal of the Community Eligibility Provision program, which provides free breakfast and lunch for all students in the district.
Initially approved in 2023 for four years, the program was set to expire in June 2027. Due to potential changes in state qualification thresholds, the district reapplied proactively to maintain uninterrupted access. The renewal extends the program for an additional four years. During the meeting, the board confirmed that this program ensures continued meal provision for students.
The renewal ensures that all students in the district will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch to 2029.
For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Join Us!
HONORING
COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO
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FIRST RESPONDER HEROES
Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO
Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize
DISASTER HERO
Jennifer Keane
MILITARY HERO
Mel Cohen
YOUTH HEROES
Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein
The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon
For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes
Traces of Indigenous history endure in Valley Stream
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
When Indigenous Peoples’ Day arrives each October, it is both a celebration of the vibrant cultures that predate European settlement and a reminder of the histories that were too often erased or overlooked.
In Valley Stream, the evidence of Indigenous presence may not be obvious on the surface, but beneath the paved roads and suburban neighborhoods lie stories tied to waterways, migrations and survival.
“The topic of Indigenous People and Valley Stream often comes up amongst researchers, historians and the curious-minded,” Valley Stream Historical Society Trustee Amy Bentley said. “ Our closest proximity to indigenous people were the Reckouwackys, a group of Native Americans who lived on the Rockaway Peninsula. They were part of the Algonquianspeaking Lenape people. Reckouwacky, or the modern translation, Rockaway, means “place of our own people,” “sandy place,” or “place of laughing waters” — depending on what article or book you might read.”
Their proximity to the bay, with its abundance of fish, shellfish, reeds and beavers, made it an ideal location for settlement. Though modern Valley Stream developed later, its landscape was shaped by these same waterways that sustained Indigenous communities for centuries.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that would become Valley Stream was known as the South Woods or Fosters Meadow, a sparsely populated woodland between Near Rockaway and Jamaica. Streams crisscrossed the land, connecting it to Jamaica Bay. While most Indigenous settlements were concentrated closer to the bay itself, the Reckouwackys are believed to have traveled north in the warmer months, following creeks and waterways for fishing and hunting. Hook Creek, which winds through what is now Mill Brook, Hendrickson Park and eventually to Jamaica Bay, was one such route.
Historical evidence places Native people along Hook Creek’s banks well before suburban streets and parks replaced natural shorelines. In 1922, an archaeological report documented the remains of a prehistoric village site and shell heap along Hook Creek, evidence of seasonal camps and fishing activity. Though development erased those sites long ago, they underscore the role waterways played in sustaining Indigenous life.
Hungry Harbor, today part of South Valley Stream and North Woodmere, was another site tied to these histories. Along Motts Creek, people fished and harvested oysters. Written accounts describe the area as home to “squatters,” both Indigenous and nonIndigenous, who lived off its abundant resources. The area’s name and its legacy remain embedded in the local landscape.
But by the time Loyalist families began migrating south from Hempstead after the American Revolution, Indigenous communities in the Rockaway and Jamaica Bay region had already been devastated.
Census records from 1790, the earliest available, list enslaved and free Black residents but make no mention of Native Americans. That absence, however, does not mean they were gone entirely. Indigenous people often married African Americans, and their presence was folded into census categories that obscured their identity.
“The Native American culture died off quickly,” Bentley said. “They had no immunity to the diseases that the Europeans brought with them. The confluence of illness, deadly battles, loss of homeland, and omission on census records effectively eradicated their existence.”
The early settlement of Valley Stream itself was shaped more by post-Revolution migration than by longstanding colonial communities. When political divisions between Patriots and Loyalists fractured Hempstead during the war, Loyalists fled south to the lightly populated woods that would become the village. These shifting populations coincided with the disappearance, both literal and documented, of Indigenous communities in local records.
Traces of that presence persisted into the 19th century. One of the most
tangible is the granite monument to Culluloo Telewana in Woodsburgh, a neighboring village just south of Valley Stream. In 1888, local landowner Abraham Hewlett erected the stone marker at the site where Culluloo, remembered as the last “Rockaway Indian,” once lived.
While the historical interpretation of Telewana’s identity has been debated, some scholars have questioned whether he was Native, African American or of mixed heritage. The memorial reflects how local memory preserved fragments of a disappearing Indigenous narrative.
The marker itself has moved locations over time, from Broadway in Woodmere to the Trinity Church graveyard to its current shaded triangle at Keene and Woods lanes, but it remains one of the most visible acknowledgments of Indigenous presence in the area.
Other traces surfaced briefly in the 20th century. Oral histories collected by the Valley Stream Historical Society recount that during the construction of Sunrise Highway in the late 1920s, workers uncovered arrowheads and implements in the roadbed. The east–west route is believed to follow an older footpath once used by Native people traveling across Long Island. But development, dredging and the construction of infrastructure like the Brooklyn Waterworks dramatically altered the waterways and banks
where Indigenous communities once moved seasonally.
Today, the absence of Indigenous people in official records reflects more than demographic change; it reveals how narratives of erasure took hold.
The “vanishing Indian” trope, common in the 19th century, portrayed Native communities as extinct, paving the way for land seizures and dismissing ongoing cultural heritage. The story of Telewana as “the last of his people” fits this pattern, reducing a complex history to a single individual.
Yet remnants endure. They survive in the place names—Rockaway, Jamaica, Mineola, Merrick—that carry echoes of Algonquian language and livelihoods. They live in the knowledge of shared histories between Native and African American communities in early Valley Stream. And they remain inscribed, literally, in the granite monument that still stands a few miles to the south.
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as communities reflect on histories that predate suburban streets and colonial borders, Valley Stream’s story is not one of grand settlements or famous chiefs. It is one of the quieter presences, seasonal camps along creeks, erased names in census ledgers and traces beneath the pavement. The history may be faint, but it is woven into the landscape itself.
Herald file photo
Monument to Culluloo Telewana, erected in 1888, honoring the area’s last recorded “Rockaway Indian” and preserving traces of Indigenous history near Valley Stream.
Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti welcomes
Rock Hall Country Fair
Ettinger Law Firm’s New Guide for Families Coping with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
When the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is made, the whole world shifts for the patient and their family. Uncertainty abounds. For this reason, Ettinger Law Firm has published a guide for families facing these dilemmas, available as a free download at our website, trustlaw.com.
Sections of interest are:
Communication Strategies: Adapting communication techniques to improve connection and reduce frustration.
Establishing Daily Routes: Predictability reduces anxiety, helps with orientation and promotes independence.
Creating a Safe Home Environment: Modifying the home to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.
Medical Care and Support: The importance and benefits of early diagnosis in slowing the progress of the disease and improving quality of life, as well as a list of questions to ask the doctor. Non-Medical Interventions: Different types of therapy, both physical and
mental to support physical and mental wellbeing. Building a Care Team: Who is on the team and avoiding caregiver burnout.
Coping with Behavioral Changes: Tips on managing new and challenging behaviors, such as agitation, depression, waking and sleep disturbances.
One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is the failure to connect with an elder law attorney upon learning of the illness. We understand that it is easy to overlook the legal where there are so many other social, emotional, psychological and medical issues in play. Early legal intervention, however, allows the family to obtain all the legal documents they will need later on, such as the “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney. The earlier the family moves to protect assets from being depleted for the cost of care, the more assets will be saved. Perhaps most important of all, the elder law attorney will be able to assure the family that caregiver services will be available when needed and the home and life savings will not all be lost for care.
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Crime watCh
Residents are reminded to stay alert following recent local crimes.
Two Brooklyn men arrested in armed robbery at jewelry store
The Major Case Squad reported the arrest of two Brooklyn men in connection with a robbery that occurred on Sept. 18, at 8:02 p.m. at Kay Jewelers, 2034 Green Acres Rd.
According to detectives, Alonso Simpson, 40, and Jahquan Williams, 28, entered the store and approached a 25-year-old female employee, asking to see a necklace. When the employee opened the display case, one of the defendants displayed a firearm and removed various jewelry items valued at approximately $148,000. The victim, in fear for her life, complied. Both defendants then fled the scene on foot.
Following a thorough investigation, Simpson and Williams were located and arrested without incident.
Simpson was charged with two counts of Robbery 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and Grand Larceny 2nd Degree. He was arraigned on Oct. 2 at First District Court, 99 Main St., Hempstead. Williams was charged with two counts of Robbery 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree and Grand Larceny 2nd Degree. He was arraigned on Oct. 8 First District Court.
— Angelina Zingariello
Burglary reported corner store
The Fifth Squad is investigating a burglary that occurred on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at The Corner Store, located at 260 Rockaway Tpk.
According to detectives, Fifth Precinct officers responded to the location and determined that an unknown subject had broken a side window to gain entry. An unknown amount of U.S. currency and cigarettes was taken before the subject fled in an unknown direc-
tion.
The investigation is ongoing. Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
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— Angelina Zingariello
SARAH FLYNN
V.S. NORTH Senior SWIMMING
A KEY MEMBER OF Valley Stream Central High School District’s girls’ swim program since its inception in 2023, Flynn earned the coaches award as a sophomore and has served as a two-year captain. She has earned an appearance in the Nassau County championships in each season and reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly as a junior. Her career-best time in the event is 1:07.02, and she also thrives in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
games to watch
Friday, Oct. 17
Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Clarke 5 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Westbury 5 p.m.
Football: Plainview at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at Wantagh 6 p.m.
Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. South at Division 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Football: Carey at Clarke 11 a.m.
Girls Volleyball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 11:45 a.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.
Football: Baldwin at Roosevelt 12 p.m.
Football: Massapequa at Farmingdale 1 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at East Meadow 2 p.m.
Football: Jericho at V.S. Central 2 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Roslyn 2 p.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Seaford 2 p.m.
Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.
Football: Malverne at Lawrence 2 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Clarke stays hot, tops V.S. South
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Coming off one of its biggest wins in program history, Clarke’s football team showed no sign of a letdown last Friday night and took care of business at Valley Stream South, defeating the host Falcons, 42-25, in a Nassau Conference III matchup.
The Rams, still riding high from a stunning 36-34 upset over defending county and Long Island Class IV champion Wantagh a week prior, used a dominant second-half effort to secure their fourth straight win. Clarke, now 4-1, overcame a sluggish start and a three-point halftime deficit to outscore the Falcons 26-6 after the break.
Valley Stream South, coming off a thrilling 17-14 win over Manhasset thanks to Aidan Paris’ late touchdown, fell to 2-3.
Clarke was led by quarterback Matthew Kurz and wide receiver James Beckworth. The senior signal-caller had 146 passing yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 115 yards and scoring three times with his legs. As for the Rams’ senior pass catcher, Beckworth tallied 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
“We were really resilient,” Clarke head coach Kevin O’Hagan said. “The game started off as bad as it could’ve and we were on our heels a bit, but at halftime we kept it cool and didn’t panic. We knew if we just stuck with it, our offense would start clicking and it did.”
On the other side, senior Peter Greif had a big game for the Falcons, scoring two
Valley Stream South celebrated Peter Greif’s (center) fourthquarter touchdown grab in last Friday night’s hard-fought loss to Clarke.
touchdowns with one of them being a 90-yard kickoff return to begin the game. Senior quarterback Daniel Casey also contributed with two touchdowns, one passing and one rushing.
Valley Stream South head coach Joseph Guastafeste
was proud of the effort. “They played hard,” he said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game and we were right there. When it gets to this point in the season and it’s a close game like that, it comes down to a few key plays and we’ve gotta work
on the basics.”
It was the Falcons who led for most of the first half, taking a 19-16 lead into the break. The second half, however, was all Clarke.
Kurz engineered a methodical 60-yard drive to open the third quarter, finishing it with a 13-yard touchdown run to give the Rams their first lead of the night, 22-19. After a defensive stop, Kurz found Beckworth for a fourth-down, 22-yard touchdown, and Michael Iadevaia, who had a 44-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, added his second two-point conversion to stretch the lead to 30-19 late in the third.
South kept things interesting early in the fourth, as Casey connected with Greif for a 34-yard touchdown strike to pull within five. But the Falcons failed to recover the onside kick, and Clarke capitalized on the short field. Kurz punched in his second rushing score from two yards out to make it 36-25.
Beckworth delivered the dagger with under two minutes to go, hauling in a 25-yard touchdown to seal the Rams’ victory.
“We had the ultimate confidence in ourselves going into that Wantagh game,” said Kurz, who threw two touchdown passes to Grady Rick and one to Alex Frank to help upset the Warriors. “We came here with the same mentality. We’re hungry and want to keep our foot on the pedal.”
Beckworth echoed that mindset. “We had a disappointing season last year so we wanted to bounce back,” he said. “We just love to play, especially under the lights on a Friday night.”
Paul Grassini/Herald
District 13 students explore books through “book tasting” event
Fourth-grade students in Valley Stream Union Free School District 13 recently took part in a hands-on literacy activity designed to encourage independent reading.
The event, called a “book tasting,” offered a fresh approach to exploring literature by turning the classroom into a café-style reading space.
With details such as faux lattes, themed menus and curated book “flights,” the room was set up to resemble a cozy literary café. Students rotated through a selection of books and journals, discovering different genres and reflecting on their personal reading interests. At the conclusion of the event, each student chose a book to read independently, reinforcing one of the central aims of the activity.
“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Lorraine Radice, said. “Events like these promote student engagement, choice, and ownership of learning, which are all critical components of literacy success.”
By creating immersive and meaningful experiences, the district seeks to nurture young readers and inspire a lasting enthusiasm for books.
— Angelina Zingariello
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Photos courtesy Valley Stream UFSD 13
Students serve up stories with their “lattes” and good reads at the book tasting café
Tables turn into tasting stations as students sample a variety of books.
Cheers to reading—students sip their faux lattes while discovering new favorites.
A young reader dives into a “That’s a Frap” activity to explore new genres.
16, 2025
O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Maureen O’Connell, the Nassau County clerk since 2006, is seeking re-election, with a focus on continuing the modernization of county records and expanding services for senior citizens and non-English speakers.
A registered nurse and an attorney, O’Connell, 74, has served in public office for more than three decades, including a term in the Assembly and as deputy mayor of East Williston. In the clerk’s office, she says, she is committed to improving access and service for residents.
“When I walked into that office … there were about 2 million unprocessed documents,” she said. “We were not really modernized.”
Since then, O’Connell said, the office has undergone a significant transformation. Court and land records are now digitized and available online, allowing attorneys and members of the public to file and access documents without visiting the clerk’s office in a building on Old Country Road in Mineola that is notorious for its limited parking.
“We created an electronic database so that a lawyer who wants to start a lawsuit doesn’t have to drive over,” O’Connell said. “They can electronically file a lawsuit from their home office.”
In addition to overseeing deed and mortgage filings, the clerk also serves as the clerk of county Supreme Court. O’Connell said she implemented one of the state’s first Supreme Court filing databases, and added digital interfaces with local and state agencies to streamline access to records.
She has also led efforts to digitize historical documents, a process she refers to as “backfilling.” “The more we backfill, the better the public is served,” O’Connell said. She noted frequent visits from senior
citizens needing access to decades-old property records they have misplaced. “Sometimes that safe place is so safe they can never find it again,” she said.
To further assist homeowners, O’Connell created a Property Fraud Alert Program. Property owners can sign up to receive email alerts if any documents — such as deeds or mortgages — are filed relating to their property. The goal is to prevent fraud involving falsified documents.
“Fortunately, we have not seen a lot of it in Nassau — a very minimal amount,” O’Connell said. “But the county clerks statewide do see it in some counties.”
COUNTY CLERK
If she is re-elected, O’Connell said, she plans to focus on expanding parking at the Mineola complex and to continue efforts to digitize older records. She also hopes to expand the effort to adapting services to the growing population of residents for whom English is not their primary language. A language line, which translates conversations between clerk’s office employees and visitors in real time, has been implemented to aid communication.
O’Connell said that her dual background in nursing and law has shaped her approach to public service. “As a nurse, you like to help people,” she said. “Get the problem solved, and help them resolve whatever issues they’re in need of resolving.”
A lifelong Nassau County resident, O’Connell grew up in Mineola and now lives in East Williston. She trained at Flushing Hospital School of Nursing, and has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from St. Joseph’s College and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She is an assistant professor of nursing at SUNY Farmingdale, and serves on several local boards, including the Farmingdale School of Nursing advisory board and Harbor Child Care in Mineola.
She remains passionate about her work for the county. “It’s just a wonderful job,” she said. “I love working, serving in public.”
Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Joylette E. Williams, a professor of English at Nassau Community College, is running for Nassau County clerk. A resident of the Village of Hempstead since 1993, she has built her career in education and local service, and in her campaign is emphasizing administrative experience, accessibility and modernization.
Williams has a Ph.D. in English, is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut and is in her second term on the Hempstead Board of Education. She was first elected in 2022, and re-elected in May after community members urged her to continue her service. Her current term runs through 2028.
“It helps me to understand not only the concerns that residents have throughout the county, but it’s very, very rewarding to actually participate in those advocacy roles,” Williams said.
Her academic background, she added, which includes several master’s degrees and over two decades of teaching, has prepared her for the administrative demands of the clerk’s office, which manages the county’s legal documents, property records and business filings. She noted her experience with recordkeeping, document management and organizational leadership in higher education.
Williams served as a Hempstead village trustee from 2021 to 2022, and sits on the Town of Hempstead’s Industrial Development Agency board. She is also the assistant secretary of the Hempstead chapter of the NAACP, is active in the Hempstead Community Land Trust, the Hempstead chapter of the AARP and the Long Island chapter of the National Coalition of 100
Tim Baker/Herald
Joylette Williams has a Ph.D. in English and is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut.
Black Women. She is a member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
A central goal of her campaign is to digitize county records and to modernize the operating systems of the clerk’s office. “Right now it’s running like it’s 1974,” she said.
Williams has spoken with title insurance companies and attorneys who frequent the clerk’s office, she said, and has identified inefficiencies, including a lack
of online access to court records that makes it necessary for paralegals to visit the office in person.
The clerk’s mobile outreach van is underutilized, she added, and she has proposed increasing its presence across the county, including at libraries and senior centers. She has also proposed extending the office’s hours to 7 p.m. one day a week to accommodate working residents.
“The clerk’s office needs to be more accessible to all residents of Nassau County, and not just a few areas,” Williams said.
If elected, she plans to propose to the Legislature that fees for deed transfers and property transactions be reduced, and has identified seniors, first responders, first-time homebuyers and veterans as populations that could benefit from fee reductions or waivers.
Williams also cited the need for translators in the clerk’s office, noting a range of languages, from Spanish to Urdu, that are spoken by residents who visit the office regularly. Increased language accessibility, she said, would ensure equitable service across the county’s diverse population.
Her work in civic organizations, Williams said, has helped her better understand residents’ needs and leadership strategies. She added that she plans to request a leave of absence from Nassau Community College if she is elected, because both positions are county-funded and cannot be held simultaneously.
Williams was invited to join the ticket by the Democratic Party leadership, and underwent a vetting process that included interviews, reference checks and social media review. Her commitment to public service and community advocacy, she said, motivated her to accept the nomination.
Tim Baker/Herald
A registered nurse and an attorney, Maureen O’Connell has served in public office for over three decades, including a term in the Assembly.
Recreation Department staff members Diana DeSimplicis and Concetta Veltri served as judges for the costume contest at last year’s event, helping select some of the day’s most creative looks.
Halloween event continues to grow in community spirit
overwhelming.
According to Recreation Director Jimmy Fitanzo, the idea for a more serene environment grew out of conversations with local PTAs, and it has become one of the most well-attended hours of the day. Recreation staff members, many of whom work as teachers during the school year, will oversee this portion of the event.
The event will then open to the full crowd at 11 a.m., when the park will come alive with music from a DJ, costumed characters, a bouncy house and giveaways. Each child who attends will receive a goodie bag, with organizers preparing around a thousand bags in the weeks leading up to the event. Planning begins shortly after Labor Day, with staff taking inventory of supplies, filling bags and coordinating logistics with other village departments.
“We have a really good crew who’s done it for quite a few years, and it runs top-notch,” Fitanzo said. “And they enjoy doing it. They really do. All our events are great. This one, we take a little bit more to heart because you’re dealing with kids, and it’s great to see the kids coming in smiling, and especially because of Halloween.”
Pumpkin painting will be one of the featured activities, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All pumpkins, paint and craft supplies will be provided, and families are required to register by calling the recreation department at (516) 872-6003, which helps organizers plan for the number of participants. Children will decorate their own pumpkins and take them home, a simple tradition that remains one of the most popular parts of the day.
The excitement will then build towards the costume contest at 2 p.m., when families will line up to show off creative and spooky outfits. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest and most creative costumes and pumpkins, with judg-
ing often done by members of the Valley Stream Youth Council, the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and senior recreation staff.
“Every year, we are more amazed by the creativity,” Fitanzo said. “This is why Valley Stream is so special — the creativity of the costumes that they come up with. A lot of them take this seriously. They make their own costumes. But some of the costumes from years’ past are just memorable. You’re like, ‘Wow, that’s elaborate.’ And you can tell they put a lot of work, a lot of detail.
“It’s a good thing, because it’s families that are doing this together,” he continued. “They’re getting ready for the event. They take the time to make a costume — something creative, something that the child wants to be — and they make it work. And then they get to come over, and we display it in front of everybody.”
When the daytime activities end at Hendrickson Park, the focus will shift to Barrett Park for Halloween Movie Night, where “Wicked” will be screened outdoors. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the movie will begin at 7 p.m. The movie screening was introduced last year, allowing families who can’t make the daytime activities to still participate in the evening’s Halloween celebration. The remaining treat bags will be brought over to Barrett Park so children attending the movie could also take some goodies home.
Running both events in one day involves careful coordination by the recreation department. Staff members are scheduled weeks in advance to cover both the morning and evening shifts, and the village’s maintenance department manages the technical setup of the movie screen and sound system.
Holding the Halloween celebration in the two parks helps reach families from different parts of Valley Stream, making it more accessible to the broader community, organizers said.
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Courtesy Village of Valley Stream
Falcons fly high at homecoming
Valley Stream South High School held its annual Homecoming on Sept. 20, featuring a varsity football matchup against Sewanhaka High School.
The Falcons won the game with a final score of 28–6. The game took place on the Valley Stream South home field.
The victory marked a successful Homecoming game for Valley Stream South. Students, staff and community members attended the event, which highlighted the school’s football season and brought the community together for the annual tradition.
— Angelina Zingariello
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Linebacker-Tight End Zack Dyer, Guard-Linebacker Emmanuel Williams, Running Back David Brooks and Quarterback Danny Casey ready for the next play.
David Brooks and the defense make a stop against Sewanhaka.
The Marching Band Brass Section kept the energy high with their performance.
The stands were packed with fans showing their Falcon pride.
The Varsity Kickline Team joined Coach Danielle Grieco for a Homecoming spotlight on the field.
Dever Elementary students give back through acts of kindness
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
James A. Dever Elementary School is taking fundraising in a new direction, encouraging students to make a difference through kindness rather than selling products.
Through the Raise Craze program, students are performing “Acts of Kindness” that benefit both their school and the wider community.
“These acts range from helping neighbors to participating in schoolwide initiatives like the food drive, all in exchange for support from friends and family,” Dever PTA Co-President Desiree Fasulo said. “This approach not only raises money but also fosters empa thy, community engagement and a cul ture of giving.”
During the fundraiser, participants first reach out to friends and family to request donations via email. Instead of simply collecting money, students then “pay it forward” by completing AOKs for others.
Unlike many traditional fundraising efforts, Raise Craze allows schools to retain over 90 percent of the money raised, ensuring that a larger share of contributions directly supports educa tional programs and activities managed by the PTA.
Building on the success of its first year with Raise Craze, the PTA is host ing an Acts of Service Night on Oct. 21, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dever gymnasi um. During the event, students will have the opportunity to earn AOKs while giv ing back to the community. Planned activities include creating cards for local organizations, decorating the school’s walkways with messages of kindness, delivering canned goods for the ongoing food drive and connecting with representatives from local nonprofits.
results of their efforts, both in the school and beyond.
“This is the PTA’s second year promoting the fundraiser, and it is already off to a great start,” Fasulo said. “They are looking forward to a successful evening and want everyone to remember, magic happens when you’re kind.”
With Raise Craze, Dever Elementary is demonstrating that fundraising doesn’t have to be solely transactional; it can be a way to inspire students, strengthen community ties and spread kindness throughout Valley Stream.
This initiative not only reinforces the PTA’s commitment to educational enrichment but also highlights the school’s focus on cultivating character and social responsibility in students. By linking fundraising with community service, the program provides an engaging way for students to see the tangible
Last year, students decorated the school’s walkways with chalk messages spreading positivity and joy.
Photos courtesy Desiree Fasulo
Several pieces of paper with handwritten messages of kindness by students were cre-
Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips traces her drive for public service to a childhood defined by independence, perseverance and the generosity of mentors who opened doors. Born in western Pennsylvania, the youngest of four daughters, she was the first in her family to attend college — a milestone achieved without guidance or financial help after her father’s death when she was 12.
“I was kind of left on my own a lot,” Phillips recalled. “There was no guidance for college.” That changed when she became a Rotary exchange student in Brazil for 13 months — an experience she described as life-changing. “It allowed me to mature and figure out who I wanted to be in life,” she said, adding that she still speaks fluent Portuguese nearly five decades later.
Phillips went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA in finance from Penn State, working as a bartender to pay tuition. Her career began in finance — first at Metropolitan Life, later at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, where she helped build mortgage-backed securities departments. After taking time off to raise her three daughters, she negotiated a rare job-sharing arrangement at Goldman that allowed her to balance motherhood with highstakes finance work for nearly a decade.
Public service came later. After serving as mayor of Flower Hill during Superstorm Sandy, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016, where she championed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed those convicted of domestic violence to keep certain firearms. In 2021 she was elected Nassau County’s comptroller — a role she calls both humbling and demanding.
Her signature initiative, she said, has been modernizing the county’s outdated financial system, which dates back to 1999. “We do our accounting basically
using Excel files,” Phillips said. “Departments like DPW, purchasing and accounting all had different data — none of it lined up.”
Her office led a two-year process to select CGI to implement a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, dubbed Nassau Forward, that will unify county financial operations and automatically update accounting standards. “It’s transformative,” Phillips said. “Our goal is to go live between 2027 and 2028.”
During her tenure, the comptroller’s office also digitized vendor claims, cutting payment times from four months to less than 10 days. “There used to be paper almost to the ceiling,” she said. “Now it’s all online
COUNTY COMPTROLLER
through e-claims.” Phillips also overhauled the audit process, emphasizing collaboration and corrective action rather than punitive reports that “collected dust.”
She credited her staff for the county’s recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association with its Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting — the only county in New York state to earn it. Nassau has also received seven bond-rating upgrades during her term.
Looking ahead, Phillips said her top priorities, if re-elected, would be completing the Nassau Forward project, hiring additional accountants and expanding electronic systems for retirees’ benefits. “We’re still sending out paper checks to some retirees,” she said. “We want to move to direct deposit — it’s safer and more efficient.”
She acknowledged ongoing challenges balancing employee wages and benefits with affordability for residents. “You want to pay your employees a fair wage and provide good health care,” Phillips said. “But you also want to make sure people can still afford to live here.”
Reflecting on her career, she credited her success to teamwork. “I’m as good as the people around me,” she said. “You always want to do more — to make government more efficient, save taxpayers money, and keep Nassau in strong fiscal shape.”
Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Wayne Wink says Nassau County is once again standing on shaky financial ground — and he believes the comptroller’s office should be the first line of defense. The longtime public servant, attorney and former legislator is challenging incumbent Comptroller Elaine Phillips, arguing that the county needs more transparency, oversight and independence from the administration.
“I’ve always spoken truth to power,” said Wink, 58, who currently serves as minority counsel to the County Legislature. “What we need is a fiscal watchdog. What we have is a fiscal lapdog.”
A Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law graduate, Wink grew up in Uniondale, in what he describes as a “barely middle-class” household, and was the first in his family to go to college. He was elected to public office for the first time in the early 2000s and went on to serve 20 years in local government — including as a North Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and town clerk.
Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alert system but designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We’ve had a number of people saved because of that program,” he said. He also helped establish North Hempstead’s domestic partner registry before same-sex marriage was legalized in New York. and pushed for “right-sizing” government by transferring underused county assets to towns that could better manage them.
Jeff Bessen/Herald
Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alerts system.
Now, as he seeks to return to countywide office, Wink says that Nassau’s biggest problems aren’t new — they’re just unresolved. “When I left the Legislature in 2013, I came back 10 years later and found the same issues: the college, the medical center, the jail, assessments,” he said. “They’re all repackaged, but the same issues.”
One of his top concerns is the county’s ongoing fiscal oversight by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created more than 20 years ago amid
budget turmoil. “No county our size with our affluence and abilities should still be under a control board,” he said, adding that sustainable budgeting and stronger auditing practices could allow the county to regain autonomy.
Wink has been especially critical of the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to plug operating deficits. “The only way they’re balancing the 2025 budget is to take $120 million of Covid money,” he said. “We’re spending down reserves that were built up under Laura Curran,” he added, referring to the former county executive. “It’s unsustainable.” He said that Nassau faces a structural deficit of $200 million to $250 million per year in its four-year plan.
Wink argues that genuine transparency begins with full disclosure of how public money is spent — including vendor identities. “The county’s ‘open checkbook’ lists every transaction except who got the money,” he said. “That’s not transparency.”
If elected, he said, his first priority would be to restore field audits, which he claims have disappeared under the current administration. “The comptroller is there to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Wink said. “We need to get back to real audits, in the weeds, to find waste, fraud and abuse.”
He also called for greater oversight of county contracts, jail operations and agencies such as the Nassau University Medical Center, which he says have faced mounting financial and management issues.
“The county is slowly fading into the fiscal abyss again,” Wink said. “We’ve been here before — and if we keep the status quo, we’ll be back there again. Nassau needs new eyes, real accountability, and leadership willing to tell the truth.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips is seeking re-election.
Coming together over a traditional game
when I decided to bring together likeminded Latina community members, Milagros Vicente, Kelly Urena and Glorisbel Roman, to form what is now the Valley Stream Latino Society. Our goal is to foster unity, promote cultural pride, and ensure that Latino residents feel seen, heard and valued in all areas of community life.”
For many in the community, dominoes evoke warm memories of family gatherings, neighborhood parties and long summer nights spent around the table. Padin-Canestro remembers her father, uncles and neighbors playing for hours, sharing jokes and stories between turns. That sense of togetherness is what the Latino organization aims to capture and preserve. Noche de Domino is open to everyone, whether they grew up with the game or are learning it for the first time.
“While dominoes are played across many Latin American countries, each culture brings its own style, rules, energy and meaning to the game,” Roman said. “We have folks from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama and other countries all play, and sometimes you can hear them discussing how they each play in their own countries, further sharing their individual national culture.
“This night brings all those variations together, showing how one tradi-
tion can unite us while also celebrating the unique ways each culture expresses it,” Roman added. “The conversations that are had during these events further demonstrate the rich and beautiful tapestry that is the Latino culture.”
Organizers emphasize that the event is not only for Latino residents. One of the society’s main goals is to build bridges among communities, using cul-
tural traditions to bring people together. They view Domino Night as a way to create a relaxed, inclusive space where neighbors can meet, talk and share in a tradition that is both personal and communal.
The event is part of the broader observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month hon-
ors the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestry traces back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
In Valley Stream, where the Latino population has grown significantly over the past two decades, organizers view the month as an important opportunity to celebrate identity and community.
“Despite our numbers, many Latino children, and even some adults, aren’t deeply connected to their cultural roots,” Padin-Canestro said. “That’s why celebrations like this are so important. They offer an opportunity to reconnect with our heritage, to learn about the richness and diversity of Latino culture, and to feel pride in where we come from.
“If the Valley Stream Latino Society can play even a small role in fostering that sense of pride and tradition in our youth and our community,” she continued, “then we’ve done something truly meaningful.”
Looking ahead, the society envisions Noche de Domino continuing to grow as an annual tradition. Organizers hope the event will expand to include a more competitive tournament format to engage participants in new ways.
This year, the celebration is also extending beyond Valley Stream, with a second event scheduled for Nov. 1 in Brentwood, reflecting the organizers’ goal of reaching more communities.
Courtesy Maribel Padin-Canestro Participants of all ages enjoyed the lively atmosphere of last year’s Noche de Domino, a celebration of culture and community.
CoNtiNueD from Page 1
STEPPING OUT
At the mock store modeled after Freeport’s Two Cousins Fish Market, kids role play as fishmongers and customers.
Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.
THE SEA IS CALLING
Children’s Museum’s ‘Saltwater Stories’ is rooted in local maritime traditions
By Abbey Salvemini
Long Island Children’s Museum sets sail on a bold new chapter with “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me,” its first new permanent exhibition in over a decade. The 1,900-square-foot immersive installation, which officially opened last week, invites families to explore Long Island’s rich nautical heritage, celebrating the people, traditions and cultures that have long relied on the sea.
Our coastal identity comes to life through storytelling, interactive play and local traditions. Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb into a full-size bay house, sort the day’s catch in a bustling fish market, explore the wonders under the sea and even hop inside a 500-pound hand-carved canoe. That canoe — a mishoon (Indigenous dugout canoe) commissioned by the museum — was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. Welcomed by the museum in June, it now takes up residence within “Saltwater Stories.”
A culmination of more than 15 years of museum programming and partnerships with local fishermen, Indigenous communities and historians, it anchors Long Island’s past to its future with creativity and care. The concept first took shape several years ago, sparked by the museum’s long-running partnerships with tradition bearers and a desire to give families a more personal connection to the natural world around them.
Museum President Erika Floreska describes the exhibit as “authentic, playful and beautiful.”
Director of Exhibits Margo Malter traces its roots back to weekend programs begun in 2009, when local baymen and fishermen shared firsthand stories about life on the water. Over the years, those early conversations grew into a deeper exploration of Long Island’s maritime culture. The turning point came in 2019, when the museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding allowed the team to assemble a cohort of community advisors — fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, historians, and educators — whose voices helped shape Saltwater’s foundation.
“We like to say the exhibit is informed by community, for the community,” Floreska adds.
From the stories of generations of baymen to the bustling fish markets of the Nautical Mile, the exhibit’s components are rooted in the everyday lives of Long
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. Born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Islanders past and present. It also highlights the connections between the traditions of immigrant communities who share seaside cultures, offering opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue.
Visitors are welcomed by a nine-foot high immersive, stylized wave tunnel. Visible from the three entries to the museum’s second floor, this wow-moment hooks you into the gallery and recreates that first introduction to the sea for many of us — a day at the beach. Lighting and sound effects give a transportive transition into “Saltwater Stories.”
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Among the exhibit’s many features, young visitors can role-play life on the bay in a walkin replica of a bay house, where a “magic window” lets them observe real-time changes in weather, tides and marsh life. Nearby, in a classic Long Island fish market, you can sort, weigh and sell the day’s catch — mimicking the work of generations who lived off the sea. Also everyone will enjoy “Lifting the Ocean’s Lid,” an early learner area where kids can get a close-up look at what lives under the sea.
• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
For Floreska, Saltwater’s heart lies in its ability to tell a local story while providing a playful, hands-on space that’s deeply connected to the real world — something she describes as both unique and meaningful.
“It gives visitors of all ages a chance to connect with a cultural richness that defines Long Island,” she says.
Integrating new technology felt like a natural next step in the evolution of the museum’s approach to storytelling, according to Malter. She highlights the bay house installation as a standout example, where digital features are used to make the environment feel dynamic and real.
To create the immersive “magic window,” the team hired a videographer to capture time-lapse footage of a local marsh over the course of several days, including scenes at night and during a storm. With the push of a button, kids can change the view outside the window — transforming from day to night or calm to stormy — making the experience both magical and grounded in the real world.
“Observing the natural world was a big educational goal for me,” Malter explains. By blending real footage with playful interaction, young visitors notice environmental details they might otherwise overlook — fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity rooted in the rhythms of local life.
The phrase “we need the sea and the sea needs me” serves as the exhibit’s guiding inspiration.
Even the quintessential Long Island Islander — Billy Joel — has a place here. Everyone can watch a video of his “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” commercial fishing’s unofficial anthem.
To help families turn inspiration into action, a resource guide on the museum website provides ideas for local, family-friendly activities that extend the learning into the home. Floreska points to community programs like Freeport-based “Operation Splash,” where families can participate in cleaning up local shorelines.
As a permanent fixture now, “Saltwater Stories” continues the museum’s commitment to ignite curiosity, encourage stewardship and strengthen our bond with the environment — reminding us all that the sea’s story is deeply intertwined with our own.
$144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
Maestro Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Orchestra return to the Tilles Center for their annual gala supporting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, joined again by Tony Danza and his band. Danza’s latest cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories,” blends personal anecdotes, humor and some classic tunes. He pays tribute to the music of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, whose music formed the soundtrack of his childhood. He brings his trademark charisma and storytelling — along with touch of soft shoe and ukulele-strumming — to his selection of Sinatra’s timeless classics. Swing into an afternoon of great tunes and fascinating stories — all to benefit this vital organization.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org.
Gala
Photos courtesy Kevin Chu/KCJP Everyone is welcomed into “Saltwater Stories” through a stylized wave tunnel.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
OCT
17
Craft-Along: Diwali
Henry Waldinger Library invites families to participate in sories and a hands-on craft to celebrate Diwali. This program is open to children in grades K–6. Registration required.
• Where: Where: 60 Verona Place
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamlibrary.org or call (516) 825-6422
OCT
18
Halloween Family Fun Day
Enjoy a festive day with live music, giveaways, costumed characters, a bouncy house, and treat bags for children (while supplies last). Activities include a sensory-friendly hour, pumpkin painting, and a costume contest with prizes. Rain Date: October 25.
• Where: Mini Golf Area, A.J. Hendrickson Park
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Vsvny.org
Food Truck Festival
The Chamber of Commerce hosts a community festival with food trucks, music and games. The Valley Stream fire department also presents a special demonstration.
• Where: Valley Stream Pool
Parking Lot
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 845-7878
Halloween Movie Night
Enjoy a free outdoor showing of “Wicked” at Barrett Park. Gates open early. Bring a chair and blanket to stay comfortable.
• Where: Jadwin Street and Cochran Place
• Time: 7 p.m., gates open 5 p.m.
• Contact: Vsvny.org
Enchanted Forest
Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.
• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Ghostly Gala
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy the holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your
OCT
25
Little Feat
One of America’s most distinctive and longest-running rock bands, Little Feat is back in a big way with a revitalized lineup, a stellar new record — its first album of original material in over a decade The venerable six-piece is touring in support of ‘Strike Up the Band,” their first new studio album reliant on new material since 2012’s Rooster Rag. It’s Little Feat’s triumphant return to rock ‘n roll with plenty of swampy Southern soul. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history. Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove — in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” — was so infectious it allowed them to endure and press on even when losing their founder, Lowell George, and founding drummer, Richie Hayward. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox. Fifty years on, they’ve been up and they’ve been down and they know where they belong — standing or sitting behind their instruments, playing for you. And anything’s possible, because the end is not in sight. Tickets are $141.25, $120.25, $99.75, $77.75, $66.25
costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start off your spooky night by decorating a bewitching trick-or-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch” in the LICM theater. $16, $14 members; show $5.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 6-9 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
OCT 21
District 13 BOE meets
The District 13 School Board holds its regular meeting. Stay informed on district matters.
• Where: Board Room, James A. Dever School
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: valleystream13.com
District 24 BOE meets The District 24 Board of Education meets to review school operations and OCT 22
community concerns. Decisions and plans for upcoming district initiatives will be discussed.
• Where: William L. Buck School
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamschooldistrict24.org
OCT
23
‘Brown Bag’ Art Conversation
Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
OCT 25
Dog Days Weekend
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), With fall dog parade and costume contest
for their new factory — Uncle Vlad’s pumpkin patch! Join Uncle Vlad, his nephew Chad, and their freakish friends as they team up to protect their Halloween home from the bony fingers of big business. The company is run by a skeleton, after all! With puppeteers and actors from LICM’s Theater, this musical adventure will tickle your funny bone as a Halloween treat for the whole family. $5 with museum admission ($4 members). $10 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., also Oct. 26
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
OCT
26
Pre-Halloween Fun
Valley Stream
Historical Society invites families to afternoon of storytime, crafts, activities and treats. Costumes are welcome; free for all attendees.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
on Sunday.Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.
• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: also Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with costume parade/contest, 3-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Cars & Cigars Charity Car Show
Stream Auto Outlet hosts an indoor/outdoor evening showcasing classic and custom cars to support Long Island Cares Food Pantry. All precedes benefit local hunger relief efforts. $40 in advance, $50 at door.
• Where: 324 W. Merrick Rd.
• Time: 6-10 p.m.
• Contact: streamautooutlet.com
‘Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: Under New Management’
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to its latest theater production. Horrible news! The Mountain Boo Soda Company has their eyes on a piece of property
• Where: Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, 143 Hendrickson Ave.
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 872-4159 or vshistorical@gmail.com
OCT
26
Suicide Awareness Walk
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Long Island Chapter holds their Long Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Jones Beach. Register to walk or become a sponsor.
• Where: PField 5, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Carrie Aronson at (516) 865-3944 or afsp.org/ longislandwalkwest
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-KS2, -againstRONALD AUGUSTIN, 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 August 3, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-KS2 is the Plaintiff and RONALD AUGUSTIN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 235 DOGWOOD ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; tax map identification 37-541-43; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED
VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606069/2021. Scott H. Siller, Esq., as 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. 156127
LEGAL NOTICE
VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM 123 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK 11580
516-592-5105
PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream until 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on the 29th day of October, 2025 at the Village Hall, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, at which time they will be publicly opened and read, and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM SUPPLY & PLANTING OF UP TO 185 TREES
The Bid Documents and Specifications are available for inspection at the Office of the Village Clerk, in the Village Hall of said Village, and copies thereof may be obtained, on regular business days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or will be sent electronically on request to vsclrk2@vsvny.org.
All bids shall be submitted upon the forms provided therefor by the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream and shall exclude all Federal, State and local taxes. No Bid Bond is required.
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream reserves the right to reject any and all bids in the whole or in part and to waive any informality of bids and to accept the bid and award the Contract to the lowest, responsible, formal Bidder deemed most favorable to the interest of the Village of Valley Stream therefor, pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
Dated: Valley Stream, New York October 16, 2025
JAMES J HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 156340
COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR LBTREEHOUSE SERIES VI TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. GURPREET KAUR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 55 State Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 621 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $470,988.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602927/2023.
Jaime D. Ezratty, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 241389-1 156284
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-25, Plaintiff, Against Manuocheka Jeunes; Homability, LLC; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; Jane Doe as Doe #1; John Doe as Doe #2
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/19/2024, 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 11/20/2025 at 3:00PM, premises
known as 21 Cochran Pl, Valley Stream, NY 11581, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the being in the Village of Valley Stream, Town Of Hempstead, the County of Nassau and the State of New York. Section 39 Block 386 Lot 121
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,408,167.56 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606730/2022
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. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 09/09/2025
File Number: 34818 MB 156292
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, PACIFIC ASSET HOLDINGS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. APOGEE CONSORTIUM GROUP LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1096 Marc Drive, Valley Stream, NY 11581 a/k/a 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39,
Valley Stream couple recently wed at Hempstead Town Hall
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated the wedding of Valley Stream residents Ricardo Ricketts and Susan Duffus on Sept. 26 at Hempstead Town Hall.
Residents interested in obtaining a
marriage license or scheduling a wedding ceremony can contact the Office of the Town Clerk at (516) 812-3014 or visit hempsteadny.gov/marriage
— Angelina Zingariello
Public Notices
Block 512 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $620,323.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614970/2024.
Jane Pastor Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 241746-1 155849
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. LUCIA SHARPLIS-ESPRIT, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 18, 2016 and an Order duly entered August 25, 2025, I, the
undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 41 Fourth Street, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 12 and Lot 121. Approximate amount of judgment is $962,461.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014415/2013.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee
McCarter & English, LLP, 250 W 55th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155851
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff AGAINST DONOVAN GRANT, ROSALEE GRANT, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 23, 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 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 7 Everitt Street a/k/a 7 Everett Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 468, Lot 0122. Approximate amount of judgment $331,151.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009030/20 16. Charles John Casolaro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-002698 87152 155842
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray and Newlyweds Susan Duffus and Ricardo Ricketts celebrate their wedding day at Town Hall
Stunning Euro Chic Home
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Why can’t the architect and the contractor be friends?
Q. We’re trying to figure out how a mess started right at the beginning of our renovation. The plans were permitted, so we believe they were properly reviewed, but the mason and the contractor built something different than what was in the plans. The contractor is a friend who we trust. They have told us that the architect made mistakes, and they couldn’t build it the way the plans show, so they did something different.
We don’t want to stop the job, but the architect came by and said that there are many problems now, because the structure isn’t going to work the way the contractor made changes, and because the structure had to be a certain way. The contractor keeps sending us texts showing different ways to do the job, complete with sketches. The architect is saying that the work will be unsafe the way the contractor is proposing the changes. What should we do?
A. When plans aren’t followed, which happens all too frequently, the job has to stop while the design is reassessed by the architect. If you take that authority away from the architect, you set yourself up for a prolonged set of problems that can go on and on, delaying the work and possibly not even getting the outcome you were looking for.
The contractor is not given the authority to change the design or construction. Most construction plans have clauses stating that the contractor is not to deviate from them, and also instruct the contractor to contact the architect with questions, or to get clarification on any issues or discrepancies before any work starts. Once the work starts, the contractor will often begin to point fingers at the architect for anything not clear and misunderstood. I refer to this as “divide and conquer,” a common practice in which the contractor, empowered to run the construction job, alienates the architect from the owner, creating an often permanent rift.
Contractors and building inspectors have told me it is rare to see an architect on a construction site, but I recommend that the architect look at the work — especially foundation forms — before a concrete pour and also framing. During demolition is an important time to see previously hidden structure, especially because older homes were often built with bare-minimum beams — hence the explanation for sagging floors that people often point out before the architect starts redesigning. You need to listen to the architect before this problem becomes harder, and more expensive, to undo.
If you have doubts about the architect, especially about structure, bring in a structural engineer to meet with the architect. One of the biggest reasons these problems occur is because of a lack of communication. You, the owner, should have brought everyone, including the architect, contractor, subcontractors — especially the mason — together and had a team meeting. Letting everyone do their own thing with the assumption that everything would run smoothly was the first problem. But it’s not too late. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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We will remain the leader of the free world
American foreign policy is at a watershed moment, comparable to the critical years after World War II, when the United States and our allies were forced to accept that the euphoria of victory over Nazi Germany and imperial Japan had been supplanted by the reality of the Iron Curtain and the threat of Soviet expansion. The Cold War had begun.
The NATO alliance was formed to prevent Joseph Stalin from emulating Adolf Hitler’s march through Europe after the Munich Conference capitulation in 1938, which had given Hitler virtually free rein to invade and seize Czechoslovakia. A decadeslong struggle would continue through various iterations and crises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a struggle that today’s isolationists would have labeled an “endless war.” Fortunately, neither American political party elected isolationists during those defining 45 years. Pre-World War II isolationism had long since been consigned to the ash heap of history.
The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a sense of euphoria similar to
Ithat of 1945 and ’46. Eastern Europe was liberated from the yoke of Soviet communist rule, and the Soviet republics declared their independence from Moscow. One of them was Ukraine, which, tragically, had been brutalized for centuries by Russia.
TUkraine was also left with thousands of Soviet nuclear weapons. In 1994, in keeping with the spirit of the Soviet demise, Ukraine gave up those weapons in return for guarantees of security from the United States, Britain and Russia, in what was known as the Budapest Agreement. All indicators seemed to foresee a reformed Russia, and no aggression of the type that drew the U.S. into the two world wars of the 20th century.
rump’s turnabout with Zelensky and Putin sends a clear message to China.
There would be fits and starts with Russia during the later Bush years, including an incursion into Georgia, and then a promise by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 that the Obama administration would “reset” the relationship with Russia. That reset never worked, and Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. There was no Russian aggression during the first Trump administration, but then, in February 2022, Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine — the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since the end of World War II.
defeating Russian aggression, having supplied more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Unfortunately, President Trump has shown reluctance to stand with Ukraine, ascribing equal blame for the war to Zelensky — even berating him in the White House, telling him he had no cards to play.
I accompanied President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Moscow in September 1998 for meetings with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other Russian officials to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our two nations. The dialogue between the leaders was extremely positive. Then, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the newly elected Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was among the first foreign leaders to pledge President George W. Bush his full support.
Ukraine, under its newly elected reform president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was expected to succumb in days or weeks. President Joseph Biden even offered to have American jets provide Zelensky safe passage out of Ukraine. But with the U.S. and NATO countries supplying weapons and logistical support, Zelensky and Ukraine have fought Russia to a stalemate for over three and a half years — longer than America’s war against Nazi Germany.
Russia has suffered more than a million casualties, and has had to resort to using North Korean troops. Its economy is in shambles. NATO has admitted two previously neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, and remains committed to
Staying sane in the age of
’m tired. In fact, I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not from going to the gym. It’s not from being glued to my TV, watching my favorite baseball team trying to survive the playoffs.
It’s the torrent of information that has been drowning me 24 hours a day, with no promise of abating. Is there any hope that the flood will end and that I’ll have a respite from information overload? Is there any hope that the barrage will shut down over the weekend, when we try to pay less attention to our laptops and cellphones? Or are we doomed to being perpetually overwhelmed by the greatest avalanche of facts, figures, news, emails, text messages and robocalls since the dawn of the high-tech era?
There is no one culprit that we can identify whose elimination would give us a reprieve from the onslaught. One of the biggest offenders of them all is,
Aof course, the White House, which engages in a strategy known as Flood the Zone. Every day, it releases so many “hot” news items that it would take you or me two or three days just to get through them. In addition to the media flood, President Trump holds freewheeling news conferences that can last well over an hour. Generally, those events generate other news stories on top of the daily pressroom output.
Then there’s the smartphone app challenge. I checked my phone and found that I am attached to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X and have subscriptions to the Daily News, the New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsday, Newsday TV, the Huffington Post, Apple News, The Hill, CNN, The Weather Channel and some others that I’ve forgotten. I know that over the course of the day, I tap into every one of those outlets for some type of information.
Trump met with Putin in Alaska, and implored him to meet with Zelensky to reach a compromise. Putin implied that he would, but reneged. Realizing he was being played, Trump denounced Putin in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, and just hours later, met one on one with Zelensky. Then, going full circle, Trump released a statement hailing Zelensky’s leadership, saying that Ukraine was in a position to “fight and win,” and pledging to continue to supply weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s use against Russia.
Trump’s turnabout will prevent a catastrophic replay of Munich and halt Putin’s attempt to rebuild the Russian empire. This defeat of Russian aggression in Europe will simultaneously send a clear message to China not to move against Taiwan or other Pacific nations such as the Philippines and Japan. The United States will remain the leader of the free world.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
information overload
imagine waiting at a bus stop for six hours. It’s a long time.
ll ‘breaking’ news all the time — and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget podcasts.
Beyond all these challenges is the introduction of artificial intelligence into our lives. No matter how hard you try, there’s no way to escape the onslaught of articles, studies, memos and office talk about AI. Just a few years ago, if someone had uttered the words artificial intelligence, they would have been largely ignored. These days, those words hover over us like a threatening storm cloud, with most of us having no idea whether it will help or harm us.
program. How many times in a halfhour can there be so much “breaking” news? And the repetition of the same stories can be head-splitting.
Last, but by far not least, is the introduction into our space of the podcast. Today, almost every media, political, religious, sports or entertainment personality has a podcast of some kind. They have rotating guests, and offer a mountain of opinions on the subjects of the moment. Many of them are interesting and informative, but how many hours in a day do we have to partake in this newest information vehicle?
Once a week, I get a text telling me that, on average, I’m on my phone for a minimum of six hours a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot of hours, but
Once upon a time, watching television was a respite from the pressures of the day. Today, watching TV can leave you dazed and confused by hour after hour of commercials for countless drugs, all of which, apparently, will save humanity. On top of the drug tsunami, there are countless other ads that dominate the time you would like to just sit back and watch your favorite show, uninterrupted.
To add to the desperation for some chill time, there’s today’s typical news
So that is my ongoing nightmare. It is mine, but it’s the nightmare that we all face. We’re just human beings; we’re not robots. At least for now, they can’t implant a chip in our brain to help us fend off the cascade of facts, figures, opinions, ideas, theories and concepts that flood our every waking hour. So we’ll have to find new ways to help ourselves live a normal life, and still be adequately informed people.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Established 1990
Incorporating the Valley Stream Mailleader in
AngelinA ZingAriello
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glenn golD
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mArthA jAcoviDes
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iHerald editorial
Real journalists, reporting real stories
n an age of uncertainty and skepticism toward the media, one mission has remained unwavering: to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity.
That mission defines Herald Community Media, publisher of 27 community weekly newspapers serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a touch of New York City. It is the foundation of everything we do — every story we report, every question we ask and every issue we print.
The Herald’s purpose has never been clearer or more vital, especially now, during election season. Across the nation, trust in media has declined as misinformation spreads faster than facts and as social media platforms blur the line between opinion and truth. Yet despite this turbulence, the need for reliable local journalism has never been greater. We know you depend on us not only to tell you what’s happening, but also to help you understand why it matters — to your neighborhood, your family and your future.
This summer, the Pew Research Center published “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age,” an indepth look at how the public perceives our profession. Pew surveyed nearly 9,400 U.S. adults and convened a number of focus groups, and found both optimism and concern. Most Americans still believe journalists are vital to our soci-
letters
There’s often been bias in journalism
To the Editor:
Re Nick Buglione’s column in the Oct. 2-8 issue, “I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed”: I, too, would like to put to rest the argument that Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other social media have any role in serious journalism. It’s indeed unfortunate that so many people rely on these geysers of rumor, gossip, misinformation and lies for their news.
But the journalism profession has never been as idealistic and innocent as Mr. Buglione seems to suggest it once was. In fact, long before social media invaded our world, the press’s coverage of important events was at times nakedly partisan, ignorant and dishonest.
In the 19th century, for example, some newspapers accepted hefty sums of money from politicians for favorable coverage of their campaigns. At least one paper from that era, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, ran sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which, many believe, helped drum up support for American involvement in the Span-
ety’s well-being — but many also express frustration, feeling that the media’s credibility and influence have declined amid political division and technological upheaval.
Yet within those findings lies a message of hope and direction. Americans say what they value most in their news providers is honesty, intelligence and authenticity — qualities that have guided the Herald’s reporting since its founding in 1964. Our journalists live by those values every day. We verify information carefully, we listen with compassion and we report with clarity and context. We are not distant observers; we are your neighbors, your fellow community members and your partners in truth.
At a time when the term “media” often evokes distrust, the Herald reaffirms its promise: to deliver accurate, objective and trustworthy local journalism. That means being transparent about how we report, being accountable when we err, and being authentic in how we connect with you.
Authenticity, as editors across the country have noted, may be the most powerful defense against today’s flood of misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content. Real, local journalism can’t be practiced from behind a desk or from a distant city. It requires trained professionals who show up in the community, ask hard questions and share the stories of other real-life
people.
Every week, Herald journalists attend school board meetings, interview local business owners, chronicle civic debates, and celebrate the achievements of neighbors doing extraordinary things. We are not reporting on the community from afar — we are reporting within it, with care, empathy and purpose.
Readers deserve to know how stories come together — how sources are verified, why certain facts are included and how conclusions are drawn. We are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and publicly, because credibility is not earned by claiming perfection but by demonstrating honesty.
As Pew’s research highlights, Americans long for media that is clear, fair and accountable. The Herald’s commitment to those ideals has not wavered for more than six decades, and it will not waver now. Our mission — to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity — is our responsibility, our calling and our promise. As a locally owned family business, our commitment is to our communities, not to Wall Street.
In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and artificial noise, the Herald’s voice remains steady: local reporting by real journalists, telling real stories that matter. That is how we serve. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is how we continue.
A clearer view: understanding and treating cataracts
Have you noticed that your vision is becoming a little hazy, like you’re looking through a foggy window? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of cataracts.
contact lens prescription, or double vision in one eye.
What, exactly, is a cataract? Imagine the lens of your eye is like the lens of a camera. It’s a clear, natural part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of your eye. The retina then sends signals to your brain, creating the images you see.
A cataract is simply the clouding of this natural lens. It’s a bit like a clear camera lens becoming frosted over. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, leading to blurry, hazy or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly, so you might not even notice a change in your vision at first. As they progress, however, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, the fading or yellowing of colors, an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, frequent changes in your eyeglass or
The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development, including family history, medical conditions, previous eye injury or surgery, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
When cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to read, drive or watch TV, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. It’s one of the most common and routinely successful surgical procedures performed today.
Tdistance (i.e. driving, watching a Broadway show). You will likely still need glasses for reading, using a computer and other close-up tasks.
Toric lenses (astigmatism correction): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric IOLs have a special design that corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure.
hey’re a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision.
The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and then uses a special tool to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens. Then a new, clear artificial lens — called an intraocular lens, or IOL — is implanted in its place. The new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no special care.
With modern cataract surgery, you have options for your new lens. Your doctor will help you choose the best one to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Monofocal IOL: This is the most common type of IOL. It provides clear vision at a single distance, usually for
LeTTers
ish-American War.
Closer to our time, the press remained curiously silent about the 1940s Levittown covenant restricting home ownership in that community to white people. And in 2002, when President George W. Bush justified our invasion of Iraq by insisting that the country’s weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to America, few newspapers questioned his claim.
I’m sure Mr. Buglione enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with his Herald colleagues 20 years ago. And while I’ve no reason to doubt his statement that Herald reporters were genuinely committed to presenting the news accurately, we’d be hard-pressed to find a time when the press — in general — has been entirely squeaky clean.
RICHARd J. COnWAY Massapequa
Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman
To the Editor:
It can be an easy win for a candidate with name recognition who has enough money and government power to bombard us with fliers, signs and TV ads
each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current n assau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype. It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.
On the other hand, Seth Koslow is a centrist candidate for county executive with years of experience as a Queens district attorney, a private-practice lawyer and a current member of the nassau County Legislature. He has lived in n assau County his entire life, and is raising his family here. He is very concerned about our taxes in nassau, and has said that he would order a full, independent audit of county spending to see where our money is being spent.
Koslow has stated that he would share ideas with his Republican counterpart in Suffolk County, because he believes in the idea of people on both sides working together for the benefit of the county. He has said he would disband Blakeman’s private militia because he believes that our excellent
Extended depth of focus lenses: These lenses create a single, elongated focal point to provide a continuous range of vision. They offer excellent distance vision and a solid range of intermediate vision — great for computer work or seeing a car dashboard — with a lower chance of nighttime glare or halos than other multifocal designs. You may still need glasses for very fine print.
Light adjustable lenses: These are the only IOLs that can be customized after they have been implanted. The lenses are made of unique, photosensitive material. After a few weeks of healing, your surgeon uses a special light-delivery device to fine-tune the lenses’ power to your exact visual needs (distance, near or a blend), eliminating any small remaining prescription errors. Once
the optimal vision is achieved, the lens is “locked in” and the adjustments are permanent. This offers the highest level of precision and customization.
Femtosecond cataract surgery: precision with lasers: While traditional cataract surgery is very safe and effective, many surgeons now offer laser-assisted surgery. It uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to perform several key steps of the surgery that were traditionally done by hand with a blade. The laser creates the tiny incision, opens the lens capsule and even softens the cataract before it is removed. This allows for extraordinary accuracy and consistency, can lead to a more predictable outcome and a faster recovery, and is a safer procedure for certain patients.
Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision. With simple preventive measures and highly effective surgical options, you can look forward to a world that is once again clear, vibrant and full of light. If you have any concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.
Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.
county police force is more than capable of handling our citizens’ safety.
The bottom line is that Seth Koslow is a highly qualified local resident who would concentrate solely on the needs
of our county. This makes him and his team best suited to run our county.
Framework by Jackie Adamo
Waiting to hail a gondola? — Castello, Venice
CaroLYn sHiH
ELAInE RAuCH Lynbrook
