Courtesy Northwell Health Angelik Bell, nurse case manager at LIJ Valley Stream, with the hospital’s president, Jason Tan. The facility’s support helped strengthen her family’s now-18-year tradition of providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the community.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Long Island Jewish Valley Stream has received the highest safety grade from a hospital watchdog group for fall 2025, placing it among 15 hospitals in the Northwell Health system to earn this distinction.
The nationally recognized Leapfrog Group, which evaluates hospitals on their ability to prevent medical errors, injuries, infections and accidents, stamped LIJ Valley Stream with an ‘A’ rating, reflecting its commitment to patient safety and quality care.
taining infection control and fostering a culture centered on patient safety. The hospital previously had received B grades but has steadily improved key safety measures to reach the highest level.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
For 18 years, Angelik Bell has spent the weekend before Thanksgiving making sure families in her community have what they need for the holiday.
This year marked a milestone for the 47-year-old Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital nurse case manager, who held the annual turkey giveaway for the first time in her own Uniondale backyard on Saturday. Though the event has long been a tradition for her family, hosting it herself symbolized her step into a role she had watched her mother lead from her own home for the
past 17 years.
Bell has worked at LIJ Valley Stream for almost 10 years. Growing up in Uniondale, she was inspired to become a nurse in her teens after helping care for her aunt, who had systemic lupus and needed ventilator support at home. Nurses taught her basic skills like suctioning and ventilator care, which encouraged her to pursue nursing. Service, however, was rooted in her life well before that. Her parents, Joanna and Ricky Richards, founded the nonprofit Harvest for the World after Bell survived a serious car accident in her early 20s.
“I had a fractured spine, I had a lot of
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a benchmark focused on hospital safety, assessing more than 3,000 acute-care hospitals across the country twice a year.
DR. ANGEL MENG Medical director, LIJ Valley Stream
LIJ Valley Stream’s top grade acknowledged the hospital’s ongoing efforts to protect patients from preventable harm by implementing evidence-based protocols, main -
The Leapfrog Group’s evaluation includes a review of data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with a focus on staffing levels, hand hygiene compliance, infection prevention, medication safety and responsiveness to critical events. The hospital’s success stems from a collaborative approach involving clinical and non-clinical departments, with a focus on transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.
Contributing largely to the top grade was the hospital’s success in reducing infections and improving hand hygiene compliance, which involves not only clinical staff but also environmental services and front-
ConTInued on pAge 7
Independent pharmacies warn of collapse
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Howard Jacobson sat in his car outside a Long Island rehab center, holding a box of medication that cost him more than he would be reimbursed to dispense it. The longtime pharmacist, who owns Rockville Centre Pharmacy and West Hempstead Pharmacy, said that moments like this have become routine in an industry he once believed had room for sustainable community care.
For Jacobson, a pharmacist for nearly four decades, the crisis is no longer abstract. It is existential.
Independent pharmacists across New York describe the same pattern: reimbursement rates from pharmacy benefit managers — the middlemen known as PBMs — frequently fall below the cost of the drugs they dispense. PBMs negotiate prices on behalf of insurance plans, adjudicate claims and determine how much pharmacies get paid. But with three companies controlling nearly 90 percent of the national market, pharmacists say they have little leverage.
“They pay me what they want,” Jacobson said. “Many times now they’re paying us below my cost of the medication.”
Jacobson said that as a result, he has cut hours, trimmed staff and subsidized losses out of his own pocket.
On some drugs, he said, the reimbursement rates defy logic. “Yesterday I
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin joined dozens of pharmacists at Rockville Centre Pharmacy on Nov. 18 to urge fellow lawmakers to pass the Patient Access to Pharmacy Act.
did a prescription for 46 cents,” he said. State lawmakers, backed by hundreds of pharmacists, are now pushing the Patient Access to Pharmacy Act, which would establish minimum reimbursement standards for commercial insurance plans and increase oversight of PBMs. Legislators say it mirrors a costplus model that New York’s Medicaid program implemented in 2023, and that independent pharmacies credit with stabilizing state spending.
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin said she had heard the same warnings from
pharmacists in her district for years. “They really have limited incomes, like our seniors,” Griffin said, referring to the patients who rely most heavily on local pharmacies. “Getting the drugs at a cheaper price is really important.”
Griffin is co-sponsoring the bill, which has more than 80 supporters in the Assembly. Pharmacy closures, she said — including dozens on Long Island — have already strained communities that depend on them for guidance, delivery and everyday care. “It’s nice when your pharmacist knows you,” she said.
The bill would set a minimum reimbursement rate tied to the cost of acquiring and dispensing medication, and impose transparency requirements on PBMs and restrict practices that critics say steer patients toward PBMowned mail-order pharmacies or chains.
At a rally last week outside Rockville Centre Pharmacy, Jacobson warned lawmakers plainly: “No business can afford to operate at a loss.”
“We’re offered one-sided contracts, and it’s take it or leave it,” he added. “If you leave it, then not only are you telling your patients you don’t care about them, you’re leaving a network.”
Critics of the bill — including some insurers, employer groups and PBMs — argue that mandating reimbursement floors could increase premiums, reduce negotiating flexibility and drive up pharmaceutical spending. They warn that cost-plus models can weaken market competition, and could ultimately shift financial burdens onto employers and consumers.
CVS Caremark, the PBM owned by CVS Health, did not respond to a request for comment.
Griffin said she sees the legislation as part of a broader effort to protect not just small businesses, but a key piece of the state’s health care infrastructure.
“I am really at my wits’ end on how to keep my business going,” Jacobson said. “I don’t want to concede defeat.”
Courtesy Office Judy Griffin
Veterans Toiletry Drive concludes with hand-off at Memorial
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The community-wide Veterans Toiletry Drive concluded with a hand-off event at Memorial Junior High School, bringing together the many partners who contributed to this year’s expanded effort.
Now in its second year, the initiative again united the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, village officials, schools and area businesses in collecting essential personal-care items for veterans served through the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790.
“Your generosity has once again shown what makes Valley Stream so special — a community that not only cares, but acts,” chamber board member Lauri LoQuercio said at the Nov. 21 hand-off. “Because of your kindness, we were able to collect an incredible amount of toiletries for those who have given so much: our veterans.”
The drive continued the work first undertaken when the chamber identified a growing need among local veterans for basic hygiene items. Village departments assisted throughout the collection period, maintaining donation sites at Village Hall, the pool and the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, and coordinating the transport of items to the sorting site. Business participation also increased, with several chamber members helping promote the effort and providing collection space.
Students from the Valley Stream Central School District’s Youth Leadership Club (ASPIRA chapter), advised by Memorial Counselor Laura Mesa, played a central role in the drive. They led the sorting of donations at Memorial, building on the foundation established by the Memorial/Central Leadership Club during the first year.
“It is our obligation as Americans to serve the people who serve us, the brave men and women who gave and endured so much for the freedoms we enjoy daily,” junior at Central High School and member of the Youth Leadership Club, Umair Zafar, said. “This is the least we can do for them. We are all extremely grateful for all of your sacrifices and your service to our wonderful nation; may they never be forgotten. I often hear veterans and service members say the phrase, no man left behind. This event will truly leave no man behind.”
Additional school groups, including the Student Council and the Medical Assistance program, contributed to this year’s work, supported by school staff who helped coordinate the growing effort. Memorial provided space for sorting and storage, while counselors and teachers helped facilitate student participation.
Elementary students at Wheeler Avenue and William L. Buck Schools also took part, collecting toiletries and preparing messages for veterans, along with decorated boxes used for transporting donations.
The hand-off event brought together representatives from the chamber, vil -
Umair Zafar, a junior at Valley Stream Central High School and member of the Youth Leadership Club, spoke during the hand-off event, highlighting the community’s collective efforts to support local veterans.
lage departments, students, school officials, and veterans, including George Catalanotto, John Scalesi, Jim Brown, Vito Verga, and George Schuchman. Their presence emphasized the purpose of the drive and the importance of ensuring that collected items reach veterans both at Stand Down events and at residences and care facilities throughout the region.
Organizers noted that the initiative continues to grow due to sustained community support and expanding partnerships, with the intention of maintaining the drive as an annual effort. They emphasized that the donations will assist veterans by supplying essential items and supporting services aimed at meeting ongoing needs.
were carefully packed for distribution, with some
Wheeler Avenue and William L. Buck elementary
the collection.
board member Lauri LoQuercio emphasized the importance of community support for veterans, recognizing the impact of the toiletry drive and encouraging continued involvement.
Courtesy Laura Mesa
Students from the Youth Leadership Club worked together to package toiletries the night before the hand-off at Memorial Junior High School.
Angelina Zingariello/Herald photos
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Elder Law Estate Planning Misconceptions
One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved.
There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.
Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The five-year look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.
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law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw. com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.
The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.
Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and even the family home in certain cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save
News brief
and refreshments were offered
participants.
Willow Road holds blood drive
The Willow Road Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association hosted a blood drive, bringing together students, parents, staff and community members to support local hospitals and patients in need of blood donations.
The event highlighted the school’s commitment to community service, with dozens of donors participating throughout the evening. A group of student volunteers known as the “Little Doctors” played an important role in organizing the event, welcoming donors, providing refreshments and handing out thank-you cards.
“The commitment and kindness our students showed during this event truly embody the values we strive to teach every day,” Cindy Gervasi, Principal of Willow Road, said. “Our Little Doctors demonstrated that even small acts of service can make a big difference.”
The blood drive demonstrated the school community’s dedication to helping those in need and supporting regional healthcare efforts. Willow
blood
Road and its PTA expressed gratitude to all who donated and volunteered, noting the positive impact made through their collective efforts.
— Angelina Zingariello
The “Little Doctors” greeted donors and helped create a welcoming atmosphere during the
drive.
Photos courtesy Valley Stream UFSD 13 Snacks
to donors during the blood drive to support
Bell maintains 18-year tradition in her backyard
internal damage, and I walked away from that accident like nothing ever happened,” Bell said. “My mom had said that while she was praying, she said, ‘I’ll make a promise to make sure I give back and do things for other people, if you help my daughter to get through this.’”
Following her recovery, Bell’s mother honored that promise by launching the nonprofit focused on feeding and supporting those in need. What began as a food pantry operating out of a local church eventually grew into a larger organization as the demand increased. Bell also recalled how her mother’s generosity extended beyond food assistance, including opening their family home to people who had nowhere else to stay.
From those foundations, the turkey giveaway became an extension of the family’s work. Bell said the earliest years grew naturally through word of mouth and conversations with residents about their struggles and food needs. The family continued the tradition annually, serving an increasing number of people as community needs grew. This year, 123 turkeys were distributed. The sourcing of the turkeys has relied on a combination of community partners. Local supermarkets supported the effort by offering turkeys at reduced prices, sometimes as low as $4 each, because they understood the purpose of the giveaway. Long Island Cares also contributed turkeys and other items that supplemented what the family purchased.
With her mother approaching 70 and feeling the physical demands of the event, Bell took on leadership this year. She prepared her backyard by clearing the garage and setting up stations along her driveway so families could easily pick up turkeys and other items. A dedicated group of volunteers from the hospital supported the effort.
Nurses like Susan Gerstein donated supplies and volunteered on site, while Janice Coe helped raise funds; organized coat drives and also volunteered. Other colleagues, including Mildred Casareno, Debbie Macchio, Ayisha Edwards, Diane Graham, Elaine James, Stacy Yearwood, Keasha Guierrer and Ann-Marie Dodge, contributed in various ways to ensure the event’s success. Julie Mathew played a key role by coordinating toy donations.
“This is what makes up a community,” Bell said. “As a whole, if we work together, we can weather any storm. We’re all here for each other. I don’t like for people to feel alone. There are people who are here that will help, and we all got to care about one another.”
As the giveaway has grown, it has introduced Bell to families facing significant challenges. She recalled one family in which a mother, who had recently lost her husband, had moved into a home without furniture, food or clothing for her children. Through a donor
Courtesy Northwell Health trimmings, including canned yams carried by volunteer angel munoz, were offered this year to ensure families received full thanksgiving meals.
who was relocating and needed to clear out a house, her mother gathered a team and transported furniture to the family, along with coats, shoes and clothing. Experiences like that reinforced the purpose behind the work and the importance of being present for others during difficult times.
Bell’s two daughters, nine-year-old Ariella Bell and 15-year-old Lanaya Smith, have been helping with the family’s volunteer work for many years. At the yearly turkey giveaway, they usually help hand out toys. The toys are given out with help from the nonprofit’s partnership with Toys for Tots and are sorted by the children’s age and gender. The event often includes visits from Santa Claus and hot cocoa.
“I think it’s important for them to be out there and to have a humanitarian side to them,” Bell said. “To know that it’s important to make sure that other people are okay, because we all live in this world together.”
Looking ahead, Bell said she hoped to expand the community service her family provides. She has discussed ideas with colleagues, including the possibility of hosting community health fairs that could pair medical education with food distribution. With friends who are physicians and her own nursing background, she envisioned events where residents could receive guidance on managing conditions such as hypertension while also receiving food appropriate for their health needs.
Reflecting on the 18-year tradition, Bell expressed pride in the legacy her mother created and in the impact, they have been able to make together. As the Uniondale and Valley Stream communities enter the Thanksgiving season, she emphasized the importance of people caring for one another and working together, believing that collective support strengthens the community in facing challenges.
Green Acres distributes
The annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at Green Acres Mall is one of Long Island’s largest single-day turkey distributions, involving a coalition of elected officials, community organizations and local law enforcement.
This long-standing tradition, now in its tenth year, reflects the mall’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community year-round.
The event successfully distributed 1,000 on Nov. 19 and included traditional, kosher and halal turkeys. Frozen turkeys were delivered to the mall and immediately picked up by partner offices and organizations for same-day distribution, as turkeys could not be stored on-site. This system ensured all turkeys reached preidentified households through scheduled handouts rather than a firstcome, first-served basis or walk-up distribution at the mall.
More than a dozen elected officials supported the effort, including State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Assembly members Michaelle Solages, Judy Griffin, and Ari Brown, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, County Legislator Carrié Solages, Town of Hempstead Council members Melissa Miller and Laura Ryder, Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare,
and village trustees. Over 20 community and civic organizations participated as well, such as the JCC of the Greater Five Towns Food Pantry, Kosher Response led by Gabriel Boxer, the Mill Brook Civic Association, and officers from the 4th and 5th precincts of the Nassau County Police Department.
“The Green Acres Gives Back Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway is a shining example of how our community comes together with compassion and purpose,” Assemblywoman Solages said. “During this season of gratitude, I’m proud to stand with Green Acres and our local partners to ensure families across Elmont, Valley Stream and surrounding neighborhoods can celebrate Thanksgiving with warmth, dignity and hope.”
Volunteers and staff coordinated the logistics required to unload the frozen turkeys from delivery trucks and transport them to families, ensuring a smooth distribution. This event is part of Green Acres and Macerich’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting local families during the holiday season by helping them share a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
— Angelina Zingariello
Community Relations Manager at
addressed attendees with remarks highlighting the mall’s commitment to supporting local families during the holiday season.
Volunteers and organizers worked efficiently to load frozen turkeys onto vehicles, ensuring timely delivery to families throughout the community.
Eric Donaldson/Herald photos
Key partners from elected offices, community organizations, law enforcement and Green Acres Mall came together to celebrate the successful turkey giveaway and the collaborative effort behind it.
Jill Bromberg,
Green Acres,
Thomas McAleer, Director of Business and Economic Development for the Village of Valley Stream, Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare and State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick handed off turkeys to community partners for distribution.
Rating shows improvements across teams
line workers.
The hospital has adopted “quest for zero” infection rounds, safety culture huddles and root cause analyses when adverse events occur, fostering open communication and empowering staff to identify and address safety concerns promptly.
“The people who come here love to come to work, and they feel comfortable bringing anything to either their leader or to each other to ensure that we keep patients safe,” Johane Charleron, the hospital’s senior director of quality management, said. “One of the things that we do on an ongoing basis is continuing to evaluate our safety culture. So, I think, that also can translate to how we take care of our patients.”
In addition to infection control, other factors playing a role in the hospital’s upward safety trajectory included improvements in patient experience and fall prevention protocols. Coordinated efforts between clinical teams, patientfamily experience groups and leadership have ensured that safety is embedded in everyday operations, from bedside care to hospital-wide policies.
Dr. Angel Meng, the hospital’s medical director, highlighted the role frontline physicians and nurses play in reducing preventable harm. The hospital’s leadership sets safety priorities while also seeking input from staff on
the ground to identify challenges and resource needs. This creates a psychologically safe environment where all team members, from physicians and nurses to food and nutrition staff, can contribute to enhancing patient care.
“It’s really a testament to us that we are continuously implementing evidence-based protocols and practices to really deliver to our patients, and really a patient-centered care that we’re focus-
ing on because, as time evolves, I think the clinical team also has to evolve to make sure we deliver the highest quality,” Meng said. “It’s really a commitment and a testament to the heart of our hospital, that we’re delivering the highest level of care to our patients.”
The hospital has updated its policies to ensure clinicians are present at the bedside during critical events such as code grays, enhancing responsiveness.
LIJ Valley Stream also utilizes screening tools for fall prevention and is exploring telemonitoring technology to support safety and workforce challenges.
Despite earning an A rating, hospital leadership recognized that there’s room for improvement. Upcoming initiatives include the implementation of a new electronic medical record system aimed at improving communication and coordination of care, further strengthening safety protocols.
LIJ Valley Stream’s safety success also reflects its connection to the community. Meng noted that many staff members live in Valley Stream and understand the cultural and ethnic diversity of the patient population, which helps tailor care to meet community needs.
“I think our staff here are actually from our community,” Meng said. “I cannot speak for other hospitals, but I can be very confident that our staff, whether it’s nursing, with a physician, every team, are actually part of this community. So we know what our community, what our patient needs in our community.”
For residents, the Leapfrog rating serves as a reassurance that their local hospital prioritizes safety and quality at every level. The rating also enhances the hospital’s reputation and builds long-term trust with patients and families who seek reliable, high-quality care close to home.
Courtesy LIJ Valley Stream
Long Island Jewish Valley Stream has been recognized by the Leapfrog Group with a hospital safety grade of A for fall 2025.
Rejection of NCC leader sparks opposition
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau Community College’s board of trustees and local leaders expressed strong opposition after State University of New York trustees formally rejected the nomination of Maria Conzatti as the college’s next president. The unanimous 12-0 vote on Nov. 14 — the first of its kind in SUNY history — has heightened tensions over governance, autonomy and college leadership.
“SUNY does not comment on personnel issues,” a spokesperson told the Herald. “Community colleges are essential engines of student success and upward mobility, and SUNY is committed to excellent leadership for all of our campuses.”
Jerry Kornbluth, NCC’s vice president of community and governmental relations, called the decision “extremely upsetting,” citing Conzatti’s accomplishments during her tenure. Under her leadership, Kornbluth said, the college eliminated $14 million in debt and increased enrollment by 3 to 7 percent annually. As previously reported in the Herald, NCC also secured full eight-year accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
“Here you have a president who has done everything possible to move the college forward, implementing all the things SUNY would want her to do,”
Kornbluth said. “The board and most of the faculty are fully behind her.”
County Executive Bruce Blakeman also criticized SUNY’s decision. “Once again, SUNY has taken local control away from the suburbs by refusing to confirm the duly selected president, Maria Conzatti, put forth by the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees,” Blakeman stated in a news release.
“This is a slap in the face to every local board in New York State. Maria has done an excellent job educating our students and increasing enrollment at our college.”
NCC has been without a permanent president since 2022, and Conzatti has led the college since January of that year, despite SUNY guidelines recommending that temporary appointments last no more than six months. In the spring of 2023, the NCC board gave her an “iron-clad” five-year contract, extending through Dec. 31, 2028, which remains in effect.
Despite the SUNY vote, NCC Trustee Elliot Conway confirmed the board’s full support for Conzatti.
“I find it an upside-down world where the leader of the college with the highest enrollment increase is deemed unacceptable by the SUNY board,” Conway said.
In June, SUNY trustees began implementing a rule that would limit interim appointments of an administrator-in-
charge to one year, effectively blocking Conzatti from continuing in her role. Conway has voiced concerns about what he calls state overreach into local governance.
Speaking at a SUNY listening session in August, Conway said, “SUNY’s proposed rule, giving the chancellor final say over presidential appointments, salaries and contracts, is unnecessary overreach. Centralizing control would harm responsiveness, equity and the partnership that makes our programs succeed.”
At the session, Conway highlighted Conzatti’s contributions, including balancing budgets, adding vocational programs and improving campus civility. He also noted that Nassau County contributes more funding to the college than the state, asserting that local trustees should retain oversight.
“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Conway said, calling for SUNY to confirm Conzatti as president.
The dispute unfolds amid a long-running, bitter conflict with the faculty union, which has opposed Conzatti’s leadership, citing department consolidations and other governance changes.
“The Board of Trustees’ decision is a responsible and necessary step toward restoring stability and confidence in Nassau Community College leadership,” Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers, said in a statement. “Visionary, sustainable leadership cannot be built on prolonged interim arrangements.”
SUNY has sent a letter to NCC regarding a new presidential search, and a SUNY representative will work with the campus on the process.
Herald file photo
Maria Conzatti has been leading Nassau Community College in an interim capacity since January 2022.
Giving Back to Community shares holiday warmth
Nassau County community members were invited to start the holiday season with gratitude and a full table as the Giving Back to Community Corp. hosted its annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution on Saturday, Nov. 22. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents visited 31 E. Merrick Road to receive a free full turkey and other holiday essentials.
The event aimed to ease the financial strain that often accompanies the holiday, offering neighbors a chance to celebrate with dignity, warmth, and a smile. Volunteers greeted families with cheerful energy and reminders of what the season is truly about: generosity, togetherness, and ensuring no one feels left behind.
For more information for Giving Back to Community Corp., based in Valley Stream and Elmont, community members may call (516) 612-4400, visit GivingBackToCommunity.org, or email info@givingbacktocommunity.org.
–Jordan Vallone
Melissa Baptiste/Herald photos
Ebele Maduekwe, Ebube Maduekwe , Lana Dowridge, Luci Baijnath, Sandra Fernandez, and organizer Emilian Emeagwali volunteered to hand out turkeys ahead of the holidays for Giving Back to Community Corp.
Giving Back to Community Corp. has its headquarters in Valley Stream, but its work touches multiple nearby communities, including Elmont.
Turkeys were lined up, ready for those in need this holiday season.
Giving Back to Community Corp. worked off of vans, packed with donations to go to community members in need.
Volunteers handed out turkeys to those stopping by the distribution event.
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Unwrap happiness
The holiday season is the ideal moment to discover thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. And with so many options just a click away, a little planning can go a long way toward easing the stress of the season.
From clever tech gadgets and cozy home comforts to fun finds for fitness fans, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Here are some top picks to help make your holiday shopping simpler — and a lot more joyful.
Electronics
Amazon Echo Dot
We love the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) because it packs vibrant sound and smarter voice control into a compact, stylish device that fits seamlessly into any room. It’s the perfect gift for tech‑savvy friends or anyone looking to upgrade their daily routine — with hands‑free control, smart home compatibility and the reliable convenience of Alexa at their side.
Price: $49.99
Oura Ring 4 Ceramic
Sleek, durable and smart, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic delivers 24/7 insights with sleek, jewelry‑like design. The Zirconia ceramic finish is tough, stylish and built to last. Plus, with features like 5‑8 days of battery life and advanced 24/7
tracking across sleep, readiness and activity, it’s a strong pick for someone who takes wellness seriously but wants something elegant on their finger.
Price: $499
Polaroid Now
3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle
The Polaroid Now turns everyday moments into instant, tangible keepsakes — no editing required. Its dual‑lens autofocus, self‑timer and double‑exposure modes make it perfect for creative fun, while the body crafted from 40 percent recycled materials blends nostalgia with thoughtful, modern design.
Price: $159.99
Health and Fitness
FEIERDUN
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This set stands out by delivering a full‑home gym solution in one package — convertible between dumbbells, a barbell and kettlebells — so you can tackle full‑body workouts without clutter. With its durable build, non‑slip grips and solid safety features, it offers serious value for those who want to get in shape from the comfort of their own home.
Price $129.99
HOKA Running Shoes
The HOKA Clifton is a standout
Top picks for everyone on your list
choice for both men and women, offering plush cushioning and smooth transitions with every step. Its lightweight build and premium comfort make it ideal for someone who loves walking, running or just being on their feet for long hours.
Price: $155
LZYVOO Pocket Leggings
A gift that blends style and function; these leggings with pockets make a practical and stylish gift for anyone on the go. High‑waisted for comfort and support, with deep side pockets for phones, keys or cards, these soft, stretchy leggings easily transition from workouts to running errands — perfect for staying cozy and active this season.
Price: $39.99
Home and Kitchen
Ninja Air Fryer
A must have for any home chef, the Ninja Air Fryer offers a 6.5‑quart capacity and six versatile cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate. Plus a Max Crisp mode is for perfectly crispy results with minimal oil. Its non stick, dishwasher‑safe basket and crisper plate make cleanup a breeze, turning everyday meals into convenient, healthier delights — perfect for gifting this season!
Price: $179.99
Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame
The Aura Digital Photo Frame is a standout gift for anyone looking to showcase cherished memories in a modern, effortless way. It offers unlimited photo and video cloud storage (no subscription required), making it simple to send moments from afar directly to the frame — ideal for families who want to stay connected.
Price: $149
UGG Men’s Beckett Robe
Perfect for anyone who loves wrapping themselves in comfort; this robe makes a luxe, cozy gift for the holidays. Crafted in ultra‑plush fleece with a relaxed hooded design, self‑tie belt and side pockets, it’s terrific for staying comfy on chilly mornings or cozying up on the couch during the evenings.
Price: $147.95
Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Compiled by Abbey Salvemini
Amazon Echo Dot
Oura Ring 4 Ceramic
Polaroid
Men’s and Women’s HOKA Running Shoes
UGG Men’s Beckett Robe
Ninja Air Fryer
LZYVOO Pocket Leggings
Make Hanukkah special
Many jokes have been shared about the complexity of growing up Jewish surrounded by Christian friends and the overwhelming influence of Christmas come the month of December. Seemingly everywhere you look buildings, stores and homes are decked out in lights and decorations. But Christmas celebrants are not the only ones with reason to be festive this time of year, when Hanukkah is also cause for celebration.
In fact, because the basis of the holiday is rededication to the faith, it very well may be an instrumental celebration for families who may need to find their way back to the roots of their beliefs.
Hanukkah’s festive atmosphere derives almost entirely from home ritual and customs and is dominated by light as a metaphor for spiritual freedom. This is emphasized by special holiday songs, games and foods. While the holiday is steeped in tradition, there are many ways you can add a creative spin to your family’s festivities.
Light: One of the major tenets of Hanukkah is how light can shine and lead a person through dark periods. This is typically exemplified by the lighting of the menorah, which is prominently placed in windows or other visible areas of celebrants’ homes.
This season spend time with someone who may be dealing with an illness or the loss of a loved one. You may be the light that inspires this person each day. Give candles to friends and family members to symbolize the light that will shine in the future.
Oil: Another component of Hanukkah celebrations is the focus on how a one-day supply of oil somehow lasted eight days during the rededication of the temple’s menorah. Many ways to include oil in celebrations exist. Some people like to get creative in the kitchen, serving fried foods and desserts.
Think about giving gifts of oil, such as fragrant essential oils that can be used in potpourri or in the bath or shower. Working alongside their parents, children can see how a wick drenched in oil can serve as an efficient lighting source and decorate the home with these homemade oil lamps.
Bring light out of darkness: There are many ways to make this year’s Hanukkah a real “Festival of Light.” As Rabbi Arthur Waskow writes in his book,“Seasons of Joy,”“Hanukkah is the moment when light is born from darkness, hope from despair.”
Historically, this was reflected in the unlikely victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks, in the oil that brought light for eight days instead of one, and in the very act of lighting candles during the darkest time of the year.
Creative ways to celebrate
Before lighting candles, try taking your family on a night walk. Go outside together and feel how dark it is. Even if you’re in the city, the month of December has a special darkness to it. Then come in from the cold and light the menorah. Feel the contrast between the darkness outside and the light inside.
Eight thoughtful nights: With every candle comes a chance to gather around the menorah and talk about Hanukkah’s lesson. With some planning, a different topic could be discussed each night. Whether it’s the environment, antisemitism, tzedakah, or freedom, Hanukkah delivers eight invitations for learning.
Twenty-five: Bring attention to the number 25, which is significant when celebrating Hanukkah. The word Hanukkah can be divided into two: Chanu, meaning “they rested,” and Kah, which is the numerical value of 25. On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested from their battle with the Greeks and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Make 25 a part of celebrations by inviting 25 people to celebrate with you or ask children to make murals with 25 different adornments.
Charitable giving: Of course, everyone loves to receive gifts, but let’s not forget the satisfaction of giving them. Who hasn’t gotten joy from seeing someone’s face light up when a gift strikes just the right chord? Giving feels good. Beyond our family and friends, Hanukkah can also be a vehicle for giving to those in
need.
Gift-giving is now a component of Hanukkah celebrations, but it wasn’t always. Greater importance was once placed on the lighting of candles to publicize the miracle and evangelize the faith. Some impoverished people could not afford candles, and these people would go door-to-door for candle funds, or “gelt,” to be able to purchase candles and kiddush wine.
Some families prefer to give money rather than gifts to keep with the tradition of Hanukkah gelt. However, families also can incorporate charitable giving in their celebrations as a way to reinforce the customs of giving to the poor.
Rituals and tradition bring families together during the Festival of Lights.
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District 24 pilots AI learning Abii Robot in classrooms
The Valley Stream 24 School District is moving forward with its Vision 2030 initiative by introducing professional development focused on the Abii Robot, an interactive AI learning tool.
The training involved district administrators and the technology team receiving professional development focused on the Abii Robot. This training was coordinated by the district’s Director of Technology and Data, Mark Onorato, as part of the district’s effort to explore innovative tools that support teaching and learning.
As part of the initiative, the district will pilot the Abii Robot in one classroom at each school. The pilot aims to provide personalized academic support to students and to evaluate its effects on student engagement and learning outcomes.
“These pilot programs allow us to thoughtfully explore how emerging technologies can support our teachers and meet the diverse needs of our learners,”
School District 24 Superintendent of Schools Unal Karakas said. “The Abii Robot is one of the many ways we are preparing our students and schools for the future of learning.”
Now in its third year, Vision 2030 focuses on expanding targeted pilot projects, integrating artificial intelligence into instruction and enhancing authentic student engagement in the curriculum. The district plans to collect data throughout the pilot and continue assess-
ing innovative tools that align with Vision 2030 goals.
—
Angelina Zingariello
Courtesy Valley Stream 24 School District
The Abii Robot, an interactive AI learning tool being piloted in Valley Stream 24 School District classrooms as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.
STEPPING OUT
‘Nutcracker’ sweets
Decades of holiday magic with Leggz Ltd. Dance
‘
By Abbey Salvemini
Tis the season: Those Sugar Plum Fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive once again on local stages. Sacred Heart Academy started it all off recently with its student-run production, now the holiday classic is thrust into the spotlight throughout December.
Rockville Centre-based Leggz Ballet, with Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, brings sparkle to the Madison Theatre stage as ‘Nutcracker’ season dances on. This year’s production is especially meaningful for the studio’s founder Joan Hope MacNaughton, her staff and students: Leggz celebrates 30 years bringing this beloved classic to life. With MacNaughton’s artistic direction and choreography, accompanied as always by the beloved South Shore Symphony Orchestra, the theater is filled with the wonder of the delightful ballet that showcases Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score. You might say it’s one of the most memorable holiday soundtracks ever composed.
With over four decades leading Leggz, the 30-year milestone is both deeply personal and artistically meaningful for MacNaughton.
• Tickets are $35-$65; available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
“Something that was a dream many, many years ago to have my own Nutcracker came true,” she says. MacNaughton reflects on how the production has grown in scale, professionalism and reach since its first performance, then on the South Side High School stage in Rockville Centre.
“From the costumes to all the dancers, it evolved dramatically. It started with dancers from my studio doing the solo parts. Then, I brought in professionals from the dance world to fill the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dewdrop and Snow Queen.”
Dancers from renowned companies — including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, also Broadway — are now integral to the production.
MacNaughton — who danced professionally prior
Mark Tremonti
Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’
From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician
Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra.
to opening her studio — attributes their interest in joining her production to her both network and her artistic standards.
“I have a lot of friends who are dancers in Manhattan, so I reached out to them for professional roles,” she says.
Yet, the heart of the show remains the young dancers, who include talented kids residing in Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Baldwin, among other communities. A cast of over 50 young dancers in all, from throughout the metro area, join the guest dancers in this dynamic staging.
“It doesn’t matter what school they come from,” MacNaughton emphasizes. “They all really love dance and know what a quality production is like.”
Performing alongside the South Shore Symphony adds another layer of magic. The orchestra, MacNaughton explains, elevates the performance for both dancers and the audience, adding a unique energy and richness that recorded tracks can’t match.
“There’s nothing more exciting for a dancer than performing with live music. Watching the musicians play is a treat, you’re getting both the dance and the music.”
Her goal is that kids in the audience or who step onto the stage for the first time will continue to find inspiration in “The Nutcracker.” Keeping the beauty of dance alive is what’s behind MacNaughton’s decades of running her studio and producing the show each year.
Among the newest generation of dancers is 7-year-old Emma Lavas, of Rockville Centre, who’s making her first appearance in the ballet, continuing a family tradition. Her mom, Meg Guido, danced in the very first Leggz production, continuing for 12 years. Recalling the thrill of being on stage, she’s delighted, of course, that her daughter is now stepping into that role.
“It’s such a beautiful thing to see her dancing and smiling,” Guido says.
“She teaches me a lot of moves,” Lavas says, about her mother, as she carries forth with the family legacy.
Another Rockville Centre dancer, 14-year-old Analiese Cartier shares: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this each year.”
For 15-year-old Paige McDaid, who also lives in Rockville Centre, the show has been as much about friendship as dancing.
“I’ve built some of my life-long friends and I’m so grateful for them.”
She wants audiences, whether returning or seeing it for the first time, to feel that same magic she experiences onstage.
“It’s such a beautiful performance, and we put so much effort into it,” McDaid adds, enthusiastically.
Celebrating three decades of Nutcracker, Leggz Ltd. has filled the Madison Theatre with music, movement and holiday spirit. From the youngest dancers to world-class professionals bringing the choreography to life, the production captures the essence of the season. It explains why this timeless performance continues to draw everyone back each year.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75.The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Just ‘Wild About Harry’ redux
Everyone has another chance to go “Wild About Harry” when over 30 of Long Island’s top musicians and songwriters gather for another concert in tribute to the beloved Harry Chapin. Groove along to 18 acts — including concert organizer Stuart Markus and his trio Gathering Time — that perform Chapin classics including “Taxi” and “Cat’s in the Cradle,” plus many lesser hits and fan favorites like “Mr. Tanner.” The concert is concsdered a “Birthday Bash,” as Chapin would have turned 83 on Dec. 7. As they’ve done for the past 20 years, participating artists are encouraged to put their own interpretations on his songs. Long Island music “royalty” is turning out in force to support this most worthy cause. All revenues above production costs will be donated to Long Island Cares, the food bank Chapin founded. Long Island Cares will also be collecting non-perishable food donations.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Minimum $20 suggested donation per ticket. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Courtesy Leggz Ltd.
The Snow Queen (Ella Titus, Miami City Ballet) and Snow King (Mauricio Vera Nunez, National Ballet Of Cuba) begin Clara’s Dream.
The Snowflake Corps dazzle in the intricate Waltz of the Snowflakes, the grand finale of Act I.
Tim Baker/Herald Evelyn Strouse and Paige McDaid in rehearsal.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
NOV
27
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
Families are invited to stop by the library to write letters to Santa and pick up a holiday craft kit and coloring sheets. Each child receives one raffle ticket per letter submitted.
• Where: 60 Verona Place
• Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamlibrary. org or call (516) 825-6422
Teen Video Game Night
Bring your friends to enjoy an evening of gaming fun with Super Smash Bros. Brawl and other retro Wii games at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.
• Where: 60 Verona Place
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamlibrary. org or call (516) 825-6422
Special EFX All-Stars in concert
Special EFX All-Stars, led by guitar virtuoso Chieli Minucci, takes the stage for one extraordinary night of genre-defying fusion. He’s joined his bandmates Lin Rountree, Eric Marienthal, Jay Rowe, Dave Livolsi, Joel Rosenblatt, Alan Grubner & Emedin Rivera. For over 40 years, Minucci has been a driving force in modern electric jazz, co-founding Special EFX and releasing more than 30 albums that blend rock, Latin rhythms and contemporary jazz into a signature sound. A three-time Emmy Award winner, he has collaborated with musical greats from Celine Dion and Lionel Richie to Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Omar Hakim, even Bernie Williams, and others.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful
Allman Betts Family Revival
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music at the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival! This extraordinary live music experience is hosted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers Band legends Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Inspired by the legendary Last Waltz, this tour features a revolving cast of top-tier artists from the realms of blues, Americana, country, and rock, all coming together to honor the timeless legacy and rich catalog of the Allman Brothers Band. This year’s amazing lineup features the Allman Betts Band, the iconic Jimmy Hall, former Wet Willie singer and Allman Brothers alumni; alongside Robert Randolph, Amanda Shires, G. Love, Judith Hill, Jimmy Hall, Cody & Luther Dickinson, Alex Orbison, and others. Special guests may also join in. Set against the backdrop of the famous Allman Brothers Brotherhood of Light show, blending electrifying music with stunning visuals. This unforgettable night that honors the rich history and timeless catalog of the Allman Brothers Band is a musical family reunion that promises to lift your spirits as you enjoy an authentic Allman Brothers musical experience. $108.75, $64.75.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Dedication of the
Nativity
The community is invited to attend the annual Nativity dedication.
• Where: S. Franklin Avenue and Sunrise Highway
• Time: 7:15 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamny.gov
Glowing Gingerbread Houses
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to make a cozy light up gingerbread house craft to bring the warmth of the season to your home. This is a drop-in activity that takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 2:30-4 p.m., also Dec. 3-5
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Winterfest
DEC
4
Celebrate the holiday season at Valley Stream’s annual Winterfest. Enjoy festive activities, entertainment, and family fun throughout the weekend A.J. Hendrickson Park. Santa arrives on his sleigh at to spread joy and holiday cheer!
production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon; you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 2245800
1863
NOV
Thanksgiving
Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some holiday fun. Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of the festive season, as those early years of our national day of feasting and giving thanks comes alive. Imagine that it’s 1863 and you’re preparing a holiday meal, following President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of the first official national holiday of
Thanksgiving Day. The restored site bustles with activity as it readies for an old-fashioned Thanksgiving: wood-burning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are fired up to prepare foods and baked goods made from 19th-century recipes. Culinary exhibits include the “spitting” and roasting of turkey in a tin reflector oven beside the Williams House hearth and preparation of pies at the Powell House. Also on display are 19th-century methods of food preservation employed for late fall crops. Historical period music adds to the festive atmosphere each afternoon. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12.
• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: oldbethpagevillage restoration.org or call (516) 5728409
Jolly Jamboree
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes everyone to a festive family night filled with merriment for all ages. The museum is transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Among the highlights: Snap a festive family photo with Santa, join Rudolph and Miss on the dance floor for a holiday dance party, create keepsake holiday crafts to take home or give as gifts,
decorate a cookie and design a special plate perfect for Santa’s visit, enjoy classic holiday tunes performed by carolers throughout the galleries. Also take in some “sock skating” on the museum’s indoor rink and meet the Ice Queen, and more. Come dressed in your holiday best: sparkles, pajamas, reindeer antlers, or your favorite holiday character costume! $16 per person ($14 members). Advance purchase is recommended as space is limited.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
DEC
2
Cream Tea at Westbury House
Savor a traditional Cream Tea featuring freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and a fine selection of teas. The experience concludes with a guided tour of beautifully decorated Westbury House. $28, discounts for members and groups.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; also Dec. 3-4 and ongoing
• Where: 123 W. Merrick Road
• Time: Ongoing, through Dec. 7; tree lighting with Santa on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamny.gov
DEC
6
Breakfast with Santa Families can enjoy a continental-style breakfast with Santa at the Community Center. Tickets are required for admission and must be purchased in advance; $20 per person; tickets available at the Pool Complex Lobby and Community Center
• Where: 123 W. Merrick Road
• Time: 9 a.m., also Dec. 7
• Contact: valleystreamny.gov
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 HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES
2005-4, -againstDOLORES CARTER, 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 October 28, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST
2005-4, RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-4 is the Plaintiff and DOLORES CARTER, 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 December 4, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 1650 GREENWAY BOULEVARD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; tax map identification 37-640-13; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT 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.: 608512/2019. Karl C. Seman, 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. 155663
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for American Home Mortgage Investment Trust 2005-4C, Plaintiff AGAINST
Edwin Espana; Marvin Vargas; et al.,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 28, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 16, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 20 West Oxford Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements there erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 87 Lots 9 & 10.
Approximate amount of judgment $711,095.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607989/2023. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.
Lawrence Schaffer, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: October 31, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 156805
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -againstLINDA TOLKIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLE SCHENENDORF, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 24, 2025, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and LINDA TOLKIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLE SCHENENDORF, 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 December 16, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 1036 FURTH ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581; tax map identification 39-512-27; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT 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.: 609059/2023.
Heather D. Crosley, 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. 156801
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, -against-
OMONUWA OMOGUN, 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 September 30, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and OMONUWA OMOGUN, 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 December 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 2 WALLACE COURT, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; tax map identification 37-33602-38; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . . . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001570/2016. Ronald J. Ferraro, 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. 156884
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 69-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal
Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 18th day of November, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 69-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 69-2025, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: November 18, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 156927
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of December, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following location:
BALDWIN
Section 202-5
NORTH WILLIAM STREET (TH 512/25)
South NO PARKING 7 PM to 7 AM - starting at a point 365 feet east of the east curbline of Grand Avenue, east for a distance of 34 feet.
BELLMORE
Section 202-15
THOMAS PLACE (TH 491/25) East Side - NO
PARKING ANY TIME 8 AM to 6 PM - starting at a point 57 feet north of the north curbline of Royle Street, north for a distance of 57 feet.
ELMONT
Section 202-19
I STREET (TH 552/25)
South Side - TWO HOUR PARKING 8 AM to 8 PM SUNDAY -
starting at a point 147 feet west of the west curbline of Meacham Avenue, west for a distance of 53 feet.
GARDEN CITY SOUTH
Section 202-14
KILBURN ROAD SOUTH (TH 478/25) West Side - NO PARKING 7 AM to 4 PM MONDAY thru FRIDAY - starting at a point 211 feet south of the south curbline of Warren Boulevard, south for a distance of 70 feet.
(NR) ISLAND PARK
Section 202-28
CALIFORNIA PLACE
NORTH (TH 472/25) North Side - NO PARKING 7 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 127 feet east of the east curbline of Austin Boulevard, east for a distance of 106 feet.
NORTH VALLEY
Section 202-18
STREAM LINDEN STREET (TH 553/25) North Side - NO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at the east curbline of Scott Drive, east to a point 30 feet west of the west curbline of Chestnut Street.
CHESTNUT STREET (TH 553/25) West SideNO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 25 feet north of the north curbline of Linden Street, north for a distance of 258 feet.
CHESTNUT STREET (TH 553/25) East Side - NO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Linden Street, north to the east for a distance of 289 feet.
OCEANSIDE
Section 202-13
MOORE AVENUE (TH 558/25) North SideNO PARKING 8 AM to 3 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 224 feet east of the east curbline of Lawson Boulvard, east for a distance of 41 feet.
WANTAGH
Section 202-10
WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 554/25) West SideTWO HOUR PARKING 8 AM to 6 PM - starting from a point 350 feet south of the south curbline of Sunrise Highway south for a distance of 120 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Section 202-20
ROOSEVELT
BOULEVARD (TH 549/25) North SideNO PARKING 8 AM to 5 PM EXCEPT
SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS - starting at a point 20 feet west of the west curbline of Munson Avenue, west for a distance of 90 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202 “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” from the following locations:
BALDWIN
Section 202-5
NORTH WILLIAM STREET (TH 153/18) South Side - NO PARKING 10 PM to 7 AM -starting at a point 365 feet east of the east curbline of Grand Avenue east for a distance of 34 feet. (Adopted 6/19/18)
GARDEN CITY SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (TH 180/80) North SideSection 202-14 NO PARKING 9 PM to 6 AM FRIDAY and SATURDAY - starting at a point 30 feet West of the west curbline of NassauBlvd., west for a distance of 74 feet.
(Adopted 11/18/80)
NORTH VALLEY STREAM Section 202-18
LINDEN STREET (TH 427/79) North Side -NO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at the east curbline of Scott Drive, east to the west curbline of Chestnut Street (Adopted 11/27/79)
CHESTNUT STREET (TH 362/09) West Side -NO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at the north curbline of Linden Street, north for a distance of 260 feet.
(Adopted 11/24/09)
CHESTNUT STREET (TH 590/23) South SideNO PARKING 11 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at the north curbline of Linden Street, north then east for a distance of 283 feet.
(Adopted 2/13/24)
WANTAGH Section 202-10
WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 184/74) West SideTWO HOUR PARKING 8 AM to 6 PM - from a point 24 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Woodward Avenue, south for a distance of 288 feet.
(Adopted 5/21/74)
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Section 202-20
COLONY STREET East Side - NO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point 114 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south to the north curbline of Plymouth Street.
(Adopted 5/18/65)
COLONY STREET (TH 41/98) West Side - NO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point 114 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 97 feet.
(Adopted 7/21/98)
COLONY STREET (TH 41/98) West Side - NO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point 268 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south to the north curbline of Plymouth Street.
(Adopted 7/21/98)
PLYMOUTH STREET (TH 54/75) North SideNO PARKING 11 PM to 4 AM - from the west curbline of Colony Street, west to the east curbline of Wilson Street.
(Adopted 4/15/75)
PLYMOUTH STREET (TH 499/02) South SideNO PARKING 11 PM to 4 AM - starting at the west curbline of Colony Street, west for a distance of 108 feet.
(Adopted 1/07/03)
PLYMOUTH STREET (TH 499/02) South SideNO PARKING 11 PM to 4 AM - starting at a point 170 feet west of the west curbline of Colony Street, west for a distance of 54 feet.
(Adopted 1/07/03)
WILSON STREET (TH 453/74) West SideNO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting from the south curbline of Tudor Place, south to the north curbline of Plymouth Street. (Adopted 11/12/74)
WILSON STREET (TH 384/79) East Side -NO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point opposite the north curbline of Tudor Place, south for a distance of 45 feet.
(Adopted 03/04/80) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: November 18, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Public Notices
Town Clerk 156929
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of December, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE
“ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations:
BELLMORE
BRIGGS STREET (TH 522/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on Gunther Place shall come to a full stop.
ELMONT
SUSSEX ROAD (TH
532/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on 109th Street shall come to a full stop.
SUSSEX ROAD (TH 532/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on 109th Street shall come to a full stop.
MERRICK
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 556/25)STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Abbot Avenue shall come to a full stop.
NORTH VALLEY STREAM
LINDEN STREET (TH 553/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Chestnut Street shall come to a full stop
ROOSEVELT
EAST CLINTON AVENUE (TH 540/25)STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Bauer Avenue shall come to a full stop.
WEST HEMPSTEAD
SYCAMORE STREET (TH 511/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Fairlawn Avenue shall come to a full stop.
SYCAMORE STREET (TH 511/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on Fairlawn Avenue shall come to a full stop.
CHESTNUT STREET (TH 519/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Tudor Place shall come to a full stop.
WILSON STREET (TH 480/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on Tudor Place shall come to a full stop.
HEMPSTEAD GARDENS DRIVE (TH 484/25)STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Birch Street shall come to a full stop.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: November 18, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 156931
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 68-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 18th day of November, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 68-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 68-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: November 18, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 156926
LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 619941/2023, HARVEY WEISMAN, Plaintiff, vs. PAULINE CHRISTIANSEN, if such
person be living, if such person be dead, such person’s respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through such person, if such person be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, Defendants.
PREMISES SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN: 5 Wood Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11580, Section 39, Block 479, Lot 30. TO THE ABOVE NAMED
DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exc1usive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.
NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop
this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: November 24, 2025. Michael Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 555 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-4216. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON.
JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated November 10, 2025. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above. 156959
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO LIENHOLDERS/CREDITO RS is hereby given that any person not a party to the action who has a lien on the property or an undivided share of the property must appear to prove their lien at 10:00 a.m. on January 26, 2026 by submitting all proof of lien or ownership interest to the Referee, John B. Riordan, Esq., at 1305 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530. This Notice is being published in accordance with the requirements of Real Property Actions and Proceeding Law, commonly known as RPAPL 913, to all persons who may have an interest in the sale of the Property located at 33 Miriam Street, Valley Stream, New York 11580, Section 39, Blk 24, Lot 67,68 and 116. This notice is published in connection with the case: ALLISON BARIBAULT, as Executrix of the Goods, Chattels and Credits of JACQUELINE F. DEXTER, Deceased vs, RICHARD DEXTER, JAMES DEXTER and ROBERT DEXTER, pursuant to the Interlocutory Judgment of the Hon. Gary M. Carlton under Index No.: 617699/2024. This is a partition action.
The Property will be sold at a public auction on January 27, 2026 at
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, center, led a group of other elected officials and business leaders to form the Long Island Coalition of Business and Political Leader to oppose corporate tax increases.
Nassau County legislators say ‘no’ to corporate tax hike
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Nassau County’s legislative leaders have a message for Gov. Kathy Hochul about New York City’s Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s tax plan: this would not be good for the state.
To oppose the Democratic-driven plan to increase New York’s corporate tax rate, the officials — all Republicans —formed the new Long Island Coalition of Business and Political Leaders, a collection of elected officials and business organizations.
“This is bad for New York state, and we are going to fight very hard against that,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said on Nov. 17.
The mayor-elect’s plan is to increase to the corporate tax rate in New York City, bumping the top rate from 7.25 percent to 11.25 percent, aiming to support social programs with money sourced from the region’s highest earning businesses.
Blakeman bristled at the thought, expressing concern that higher taxes will drive out business, jobs and residents.
“We are on the border of New York City,” he said, “many of our people commute to the city to do business. What I’m concerned about is the deleterious effect that this will have on Nassau County and the rest of the state.”
Blakeman alleged that tax increases would be passed along to consumers and has heard some business leaders threaten to leave the city if taxes increase, which in turn could be a financial burden to the city’s middle class residents. He suggested the state and city cut spending on undocumented migrant programs as an alternative method to retain revenue.
“We don’t have a deficit in Nassau County,” he said. “For the past four years, we’ve had surpluses because we know how to manage money in Nassau County, and we’ve gotten seven bond upgrades, but that’s one of the ways that we can spend money on programs that benefit our residents.”
Sarafina Chitika, the spokesperson for the Hochul campaign, disputed the County Executive’s assertions.
“Governor Hochul cut middle class taxes while putting inflation refund checks in New Yorkers’ pockets,” she wrote in a statement. “Bruce Blakeman is the number one fanboy for Trump’s tariffs that are raising costs for families and making everything more expensive for small businesses – while the governor remains laser-focused on lowering costs, Blakeman’s shilling for Donald Trump’s tariff tax hikes.”
Meanwhile, Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, called the tax proposal “a real problem.”
“It’s really incumbent upon us to push back against this plan as much as possible,” he said. “We have an affordability crisis in this country, but nowhere is it more acute than here on Long Island. And when you’re driving out businesses, when you’re driving out jobs, that’s going to make it worse, not better.”
Frank Camarano, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the way New York City policies affect neighboring counties and businesses.
“Small businesses don’t have the wherewithal to try and work around this,” he said. “A strong New York City is a strong Nassau. If New York City is gonna propose things like this, it’s gonna be like an everyday occurrence, trying to work around it, and it’s going to be difficult.”
State Sens. Jack Martins, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Steve Rhoads joined the chorus of critics.
“This is dumb, plain and simple,” Martins said. “The fact that the governor is even thinking about this is a disgrace. We urge the governor to say no. We urge the leaders in Albany to say no.”
The coalition supports a move towards a 5 percent corporate tax rate, according to Blakeman. The fiscal year for the state will begin on April 1, and no business tax policy changes have been confirmed.
10:30 am pursuant to RPAPL Section 231(1) in one parcel, on the North steps of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York under the direction of John B. Riordan, Esq., court appointed Referee, PO Box 508, Williston Park, New York 11596-0508516-606-1238. Notice is being published once a week for four consecutive weeks in the Valley Stream Herald. 156915
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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Positions Available!
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Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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to the Ocean
Some strange suggestions from the Building Department
Q. I went to my Building Department, because, as you suggested, I should get an idea from them as to what to do and how to go about it. After discussing the problems I would have to overcome, they suggested certain people, drafting services, and also told me that if I use an architect, I should only use the ones they suggest, because others might not be “acceptable” to them. I thought this was kind of strange. Should they do that, and is that acceptable practice?
A. That is not only strange, but also illegal.
Putting limits on who provides a state-licensed professional service is, at the very least, a restriction-oftrade issue that I am sure would turn into a legal matter if the jurisdiction you live in ever tried to enforce the practice. Maybe you could finance your project by going through that process, getting hassled for the reasons you describe, and then suing the individuals and department that created the scenario. Of course, you would have to show hard evidence, such as documents and/or recordings of this kind of exchange. Or you could just go along with them, if you feel comfortable with the racket they’re running.
Lately I have seen more situations like this occurring, and it’s disheartening, as a professional, but many officials have commented, over the years, that certain architects only like to handle, or are only capable of handling, the “small stuff.” Clearly they don’t recognize the situation created by their own jurisdictions, where you’re required to have an architect’s or engineer’s professional seal on the submitted drawings when applying for a permit. Instead they encourage people to get an unlicensed person to prepare plans, and then that unlicensed individual gets a retired professional who could use the extra money to just sign and seal.
Even worse than that is the problem created during the pandemic, when an electronic seal was issued by the state to architects and engineers, creating the opportunity to just electronically float a seal onto plans, with or without the licensed professional’s permission.
It seems that people have forgotten what that seal represents. Not only does it represent a level of trained expertise — it also represents safety. Protection of public safety was once the paramount objective of local governments. And aside from the skirting of enforcement of licensed professionalism, safety is still important, but money, favoritism and territorial behavior make you wonder what you’re really dealing with.
I know so many people who are sincerely trying to enforce public safety in their government jobs, people who are equally disgusted with the ones who make their profession look bad. Defying the public trust or manipulating the public should not be tolerated. Thirty years ago, the state attorney general’s office did an investigation, and concluded that this practice was widespread — but investigators candidly admitted that they did not have the resources to pursue prosecutions, leaving the public to decide. Good luck!
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opinions
New even-year voting law is all about partisanship
in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, M. Todd Henderson criticized Illinois Democrats for manipulating election timing to suppress voter turnout. In New York, Democrats are deploying the opposite tactic: moving local elections to even-numbered years to flood the polls with voters who typically ignore local races. The strategy may differ, but the goal is the same: partisan advantage.
Traditionally, counties across New York have held local elections in odd-numbered years, separate from statewide and federal elections in evennumbered years. There are many benefits to doing this. Separation of election timelines encourages voter engagement by allowing the local candidates and issues to take center stage. Voters have more opportunities to learn about their local representatives, understand the nuances of their platforms, and make informed decisions without the distraction of higher-profile races. By focusing on local elections
Tindependently, community-specific concerns receive the attention they deserve, fostering a more informed and active electorate.
Despite the clear benefits of separating local and state elections, New York is now poised to end this practice.
DThe State Legislature and the governor have passed a new law requiring all voting to occur in even years, over the vehement objections of most affected local governments. The ostensible reasons are that this would be less expensive and that the increased participation of voters in years that feature high-profile state and national elections is good for democracy. However, the real motivation is political.
tests but otherwise ignore local races. These voters are less likely to scrutinize individual candidates and more likely to vote the party line, tilting the scales in favor of Democratic challengers.
emocrats hope to capitalize on the surge of voters in high-profile elections.
A move to even years would not save any money for the state, since the odd year elections are paid for by the localities that oppose the change. Democrats dominate statewide offices in New York, but counties like Nassau and Suffolk remain Republican strongholds. By shifting local elections to even years, Democrats hope to capitalize on the surge of partisan voters who show up for presidential and gubernatorial con-
The cynicism of this maneuver is underscored by a glaring exception: New York City. The law exempts the five boroughs, where Democratic control is already secure. If the goal were truly to save money or boost turnout, why carve out the city? The answer is obvious — there’s no partisan gain to be had there.
A number of local governments, including Nassau County’s, have brought suit to overturn this law on the grounds that it interferes with our statutory right to govern ourselves and set the rules for our own elections. The initial decision in the state Supreme Court, the lower court in this state, where judges are elected — and are, therefore, more connected to their communities, agreed with the position of the affected local governments.
In order to make sure that the law would nevertheless go into effect in 2025, the Appellate Division, where judges are appointed by the governor, agreed to con-
sider the case on an urgent basis, with little time for the parties to prepare. Of course, the panel, which is dominated by Democrats, overturned the thoughtful and well-considered decision of the lower court. We then appealed to the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state — again, where judges are appointed by the governor, which is also dominated by Democrats. Somehow, that time, the urgency to hear the appeal vanished, and the court swiftly upheld the Democratic priority. Now a federal lawsuit has been filed to overturn the law, but the outcome and timing are uncertain.
This law sets a troubling precedent. It undermines home rule, erodes voter engagement with local issues, and politicizes the very structure of our democracy. If Democrats in Illinois are guilty of suppressing turnout by burying elections in obscure months, Democrats in New York are guilty of diluting local accountability by overwhelming it with national noise.
As Nassau County and others continue their legal fight, the question remains: Will local voices be heard, or will political maneuvering dictate the future of our elections?
Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.
Thanksgiving couldn’t come at a better time
he spirit of Thanksgiving is particularly welcome and needed this year. Times are turbulent. Discord appears to be almost everywhere. Prices are still too high. The federal government has just gone through its longest and most bitter shutdown ever, with another one threatened in less than three months.
The political divide continues, as Democrats scored overwhelming victories across the country, while Nassau Republicans, led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, swept every countywide office and retained control of the county’s three towns and two cities — including Long Beach, where the GOP won every elective office for the first time since 1971. And while Nassau was voting bright red, New York City went deep blue, electing a committed socialist, Zohran Mamdani, as its mayor, promising to upend the city’s political and social structures as we’ve known them.
Ideally in a time of discord and stress, the citizenry turns to sports as an escape, as an island of refuge in a sea of
turmoil. This time, though, no such luck. At least not yet. The Yankees were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, while the Mets, with their astronomically high payroll, didn’t even make it to the postseason, eliminated for the final playoff slot by the unheralded, lowincome Cincinnati Reds.
n ot even New York sports offer an island of refuge in our current sea of turmoil.
Granted, there was temporary relief for baseball fans, as the World Series confrontation between the Dodgers and Blue Jays provided intense drama right down to the final out of the climactic seventh game. But that moment of escape was soon overtaken by what portends to be Major League Baseball’s biggest and worst gambling scandal since the Black Sox scandal in 1919: Two relief pitchers for the Cleveland Guardians were arrested and charged with colluding with organized crime on “micro bets” — wagers on what type of pitches they would throw. This scandal, like the NBA betting scandal that preceded it just weeks earlier, is expected to expand, because of professional sports’ extensive, and misguided, business dealings with the gaming industry.
Thank God for the arrival of Thanksgiving! Taking time to celebrate the spirit of the holiday, which gives us the opportunity to step back and reflect on
what we should be thankful for, is a true American tradition. As we learned in our early school days, legend has the earliest Thanksgiving being celebrated in 17th-century Colonial times between by the Pilgrims and native Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The national celebration of Thanksgiving in November was proclaimed by President George Washington in 1789. During the darkest days of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln certified the final Thursday of November as the official day for celebrating Thanksgiving. Later, after Americans endured the depths of a Depression and as we got involved in the tragedy of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt reaffirmed the significance of Thanksgiving while officially declaring the fourth Thursday of November to be the day of celebration. These actions by Lincoln and Roosevelt should be guideposts for Americans. Neither the absolute horror raging through our country during the Civil War, nor the economic devastation of the Depression, nor the carnage and suffering of World War II, would prevent Americans in those years from being thankful for, and appreciating, the blessings of living in this great land.
Not to minimize our current hard-
ships, but we should take the time to show our thanks for all that we do have. America is not at war. It provides more opportunity for its people than any other country on earth, as demonstrated by the tens of millions of people from all over the world who want to live here.
During my years in Congress, I traveled to many countries, mainly in Europe but also in parts of Asia and North Africa. There was no country that could match America for our ingenuity, industriousness and opportunity for generations of people to move upward and thrive. Often we fail to remember that the United States was the first nation to experiment with democracy since Greece many centuries ago, and how that experiment has worked so successfully.
There are reasons why America has the world’s strongest economy and strongest military. That success results from our commitment not just to free enterprise but to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and freedom of opportunity, which allow the human spirit to fully develop and thrive. So let’s enjoy our blessings and give thanks for living in this great land. Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless America.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
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HThis Saturday, shop local
eld each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Nov. 29 this year — Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shift their attention from big-box and giant online retailers to the locally owned businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods. These local businesses create jobs, spark innovation and keep more dollars circulating in the local economy, strengthening the very places we call home.
Founded by American Express in 2010 and embraced by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Saturday has grown into a nationwide tradition. It’s nestled between the commercial frenzy of Black Friday and the digital deals of Cyber Monday, and it’s crucial that all of us make a concerted effort to shop at our favorite corner store or buy a gift card for our beloved neighborhood restaurant.
The impact of Small Business Saturday, of course, reaches far beyond economics. When people support a local bookstore, bakery, boutique or service provider, they’re investing in relationships and affirming the value of personal connection — the friendly wave from a shop owner who knows your name, the sense of pride in discovering a one-of-akind product crafted nearby, the feeling of belonging that comes from familiar streets buzzing with activity. These are experiences you simply can’t replicate
letters
Mamdani is on to something, Republicans
To the Editor:
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s electoral appeal, centered on his affordability agenda, has prompted some of his opponents to start emphasizing this issue. Republican State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is among those proposing actions to rein in New York’s cost of living in her Herald commentary last week, “The cost of living is driving families out of New York.”
Some of her suggestions make sense and, if adopted, might make Long Island living marginally more affordable. But CanzoneriFitzpatrick offers only Band-Aids for the hemorrhaging housing crisis that forces young families to look elsewhere for starter homes. As a professed capitalist, the senator should understand that a grossly inadequate supply of housing cannot meet demand, thus causing prices to spiral ever upward. The solution is obvious: build thousands of new homes.
with anonymous online transactions.
Small Business Saturday reminds us that thriving communities don’t happen by accident — they grow through intentional support and shared commitment. By shopping local, we help build vibrant neighborhoods where businesses and residents lift one another up, strengthening the community fabric, one small shop at a time.
Small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation across the country, and on Long Island they are essential to the economic ecosystem. When shoppers choose small over large, more money stays in the community. Studies show that when you shop at a small, locally owned business, more of your money stays here on Long Island — supporting infrastructure, schools and friends, and even reducing your tax burden. For every $100 spent at a small business, about $67 stays in the community. At a large chain, only about $43 does.
But most importantly, small businesses help define the identity of a place. Neighborhoods with bustling local shops tend to have stronger social ties, safer streets and greater civic engagement. Choosing to support a local business is choosing to support a stronger, more connected community.
Participating in Small Business Saturday is simple and enjoyable. Consumers explore local shops, take part in spe-
cial promotions, share their experiences on social media and leave positive reviews of their favorite spots. Spot a great bargain? Tell a friend! These small actions have big ripple effects, helping local entrepreneurs gain visibility, attract new customers and employ local workers.
Business owners can prepare for Small Business Saturday by using free marketing materials provided by the SBA and American Express, such as fliers, posters and social media graphics. Local governments, chambers of commerce and community groups also do their part by organizing events, hosting holiday markets, and creating interactive maps to guide residents to participating businesses. Many of the best local businesses and deals can be found right here, on the pages of the Herald, or at LIHerald.com.
This Saturday, Long Islanders have the opportunity to demonstrate what makes our communities so special: We show up for our neighbors and they show up for us. Our local small businesses are the ones donating to school fundraisers, sponsoring youth sports teams, hosting community events, providing teenagers with summer jobs, and paying taxes that help keep our local downtowns alive.
So shop local, Long Island — because when small businesses thrive, we all prosper.
Strong families, strong community, strong schools
in Valley Stream District 30, families are at the heart of everything we do. Research shows that children thrive when families are supported, engaged and included in their education.
Our schools do more than teach reading, math and science; they partner with families to ensure that every child has what they need, the chance to grow, and a strong sense of belonging. Each morning, children walk to school with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or older siblings, and teachers greet them at the door.
These daily interactions — parents chatting, children laughing, teachers connecting with families — create a warm, supportive community where children feel safe, seen and ready to thrive.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book offers a comprehensive analysis of children’s wellbeing across the United States, including detailed information about New York state. It tracks indicators such as family support, education, health and economic stability, highlighting where children are thriving and where communities need to step up. In Valley Stream, 53 percent of families are certi-
fied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infants and Children, reflecting economic pressures many households face.
This data isn’t just numbers on a page; it reminds us that to support children, we must support families, and that the work we do in our schools is part of a larger effort to give every child the resources, stability and encouragement they need to succeed.
Every initiative reflects our vision (‘someday’) and our mission (‘every day’).
Every child in our district starts the day ready to learn. Through the Community Eligibility Provision, all students receive free breakfast and lunch, removing barriers that can make even a simple school day challenging. Hungry children struggle to focus, while families facing economic pressures — single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren or households providing elder care — receive welcome relief from the cost of daily meals. By ensuring that children have nutritious meals, these programs also allow families to redirect funds to other household needs.
Our work extends beyond the walls of our schools. Local businesses and organizations offer vital enrichment opportunities that broaden students’ understanding of the world beyond their immediate neighborhoods. Dick’s Sporting Goods contributes resources for programs that engage students in physical activity and teamwork.
LEttERs
But Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick has nothing to say about the extreme nimbyism that makes it so difficult to build housing anywhere in Nassau County. It’s particularly egregious that right-wing politicians have succeeded in blocking transit-oriented developments. Building housing near Long Island Rail Road stations would help make Long Island more affordable without worsening traffic congestion.
Republicans should adopt a variation on a mantra favored by their leader: “Build, baby, build!”
KEVIN
J KELLEY
Atlantic Beach
Trump’s ‘outrageous’ commutation of Santos
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Presidents make mistakes, but this one was a doozy”: What
message was being sent to hardworking, honest people when President Trump excused former Rep. George Santos from serving a seven-year prison term after only three months? Santos was proven to be a liar, a cheat, a thief — a dishonest individual who harmed and deceived many people by falsifying everything he touched.
How do we know that he didn’t fabricate the conditions of his prison stay, inasmuch as he is a pro at making up stories? It appears that Trump commuted his sentence due to his being a good Republican supporting Trump.
In my eyes, Santos’s crimes are worse than those of a bank robber. His deceit is now being forgiven, and will Trump, in his generosity, assume the more than $300,000 in restitution that Santos is liable for? It is ludicrous that the president of the U.S. takes his time from government affairs to release an admitted criminal back into society. Outrageous indeed.
GRACE SEARBY Oyster Bay
Through the SCOPE scholarship program, we partner with Valley Stream Central High School to recognize graduating students from our district with $500 awards. Nassau BOCES Arts in Education programs give students hands-on experiences in outdoor education at Caumsett State Historic Park, and science exploration through the Long Island Children’s Museum. Together with our PTA, which hosts book fairs and enrichment events, these partnerships help children build knowledge, expand their horizons and grow as learners while remaining connected to their community.
Every initiative we pursue reflects both our vision (“someday”) and our mission (“every day”). Our vision is to educate, inspire and celebrate every child to become a global leader of tomorrow. The INSIDE Way — our mission — shows how we get there each day. Leaders, teachers and staff ensure that each child reaches their fullest potential by Igniting passion in students, Nurturing their sense of belonging, Supporting academic and social-emotional growth, Integrating best instructional practices, Differentiating learning, and Empowering every child to succeed. Access, opportunity and belonging guide every decision we make.
We recognize the importance of early learning. Our pre-K programs, support-
ed by State Education Department grants, give children a strong introduction to the school environment. Our after-school programs provide a safe and engaging space for students to play, learn and grow while their parents are at work. These programs build confidence, strengthen social skills and foster a lifelong love of learning, giving children the foundation they need to succeed both academically and socially.
Families are a key partner in everything we do. When parents attend school events, participate in workshops and contribute to decision-making processes, students recognize that their success represents a shared commitment. Our schools grow stronger through family engagement, and our community thrives because families understand their partnership role in raising the next generation.
Here in Valley Stream, strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build strong schools. We take pride in the programs, partnerships and resources that provide children with access, opportunity and a deep sense of belonging. When families are supported, children thrive. When children thrive, our community thrives. We continue to encourage families to partner with our teachers and leaders, creating a circle of support that ensures that our students grow into the global leaders of tomorrow they are meant to be.
Dr. Roxanne Garcia-France is superintendent of Valley Stream School District 30.
RoxannE GaRCia-FRanCE
FRamEwoRk by Tim Baker
Singing “Master of the House” in Hewlett High School’s production of “Les Misérables.”
Bring Heart Home This Holiday Season
We will be bringing Mount Sinai’s top-ranked open heart surgeons to Oceanside beginning next year, so patients and their families don’t have to travel to NYC or to the North Shore for advanced cardiac care.
The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan ranks No. 2 nationally for Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery, according to 2025 U.S. News & World Report ® That expertise is coming to our Oceanside campus.
If you or a loved one have suffered a cardiac event, consider making a donation in their name today.
Scan the QR code, visit bringinghearthome.org , or call Anne Fernandez in our Development Office at 516-377-5360 to learn more.
Donate today.
Together, we can bring the of Mount Sinai home to the South Shore.
