Freeport Herald 10-02-2025

HERALD FREEPORT

Nautical Mile sets sail with first Pirate Fest

By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ

mrafiq@liherald.com

The Nautical Mile in Freeport is expected to come alive Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. with swashbuckling excitement as the community prepares for its first Pirate Fest, a soon-to-be annual event designed to extend the vibrancy of the waterfront district well beyond the summer months.

Organized by a coalition of local vendors, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, and the Nautical Mile Business Organization, the festival promises to be packed with family-friendly fun, community spirit, and a hearty dose of pirate-themed adventure.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off the festivities at noon in front of the chamber’s office —where Sapphire Yacht is docked — and a lively boat parade will launch the event. Both private and commercial vessels will be transformed into pirate ships, parading through the canals and bays for up to an hour.

Local artist’s painting journey reaches Art Alcove

By MoHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

This month, the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport’s Art Alcove, at the Recreation Center, features the work of Arlene Gomez, a Baldwin resident whose journey as an artist has been as rich and varied as the landscapes she paints.

Gomez’s story is one of movement, adaptation and a lifelong search for belonging, both in her community and in her art.

The path that Gomez, 72, took to the Freeport exhibit began with a nudge from her local senior citizens club. She

recalls that her tutor, Ralph Cappozzi, encouraged her to submit her work to the council, which was seeking artists to exhibit during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Although she identifies as “Puerto Rican, Spaniard, American,” Gomez insists that her art is not focused on her heritage. “I do more expressionistic, but then realistic at the same time,” she said, noting that her paintings are primarily landscapes.

Born Arlene Bracero-Vallejo in Brooklyn to a military family, she spent her early childhood in Germany before returning to New York. She

describes a childhood shaped by frequent moves, and a closeknit family. “We traveled to Germany, military-style, and I was raised there until I was about 8 years old,” she explained.

After returning to Brooklyn, her family lived with her grandparents before settling in Manhattan’s Lower East Side projects. Her father was a sergeant in the army, and Gomez remembers her upbringing as lower income. In 1972, after she married Ivan Gomez, now 75, they moved to Baldwin, where they raised two sons.

Arlene credits her early interest in art to inspiring

teachers and mentors.

“I had a teacher there that inspired me with her art,” she recalls of her junior high years JHS 60 Beha on the Lower East Side. While at Washington Irving High School she attended summer programs in art at Pratt and Cooper Union, and later studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technolo-

gy, launching a career in textile design that lasted 15 years.

Her work in textiles took her to studios and mills across the country, where she created designs and ensured that clients got “exactly the color that he or she wanted.”

Gomez took a break from her career to raise her chil -

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Mayor recognizes teacher with special proclamation

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

When it comes to numbers, middle school teacher Katia Booker knows the score.

Booker, a Freeport resident who teaches at KIPP Amp Middle School in Brooklyn, has built a reputation for using whatever her students like and can relate to in order to spark their interest in mathematics. That creativity recently earned her a Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award and a proclamation of honor from the Village of Freeport.

The Harriett Ball Award is given annually to only 10 teachers nationwide within the KIPP Public Schools system. Recipients are recognized for embodying instructional excellence and leadership rooted in community values.

created math problems that incorporated wrestling-related problems.”

In one exercise, students were asked to calculate the fastest and most costeffective way to pursue a career as a WWE wrestler. In another, she connected algebra lessons to dancing and theater.

I f you can engage them through something they like, they’ll retain the information better.

KAtIA BOOKeR teacher, KIPP Amp Middle School

“I want the kids to be able to relate to math and retain it,” says Booker, who acknowledges being a math nerd growing up. “I knew the kids were really into wrestling and WWE and other (wrestling federations), so I

“If you can engage them through something they like, they’ll retain the information better,” says Booker, who teaches four algebra classes this year while also serving as a dean. “I am still learning about my students this semester, so we’ll see what their interests will be.”

Her inventive approach caught the attention of Mayor Robert Kennedy, who presented her with an official proclamation on behalf of the Village of Freeport.

“I think any time you can engage students, no matter the subject,” says Mayor Kennedy, “it is to be lauded. And, the fact that it is math, a subject that some people fear, is even more important. I was very happy to shine a light on the great things one of our residents is doing.”

Contractor seeks zoning variance to build apartments Ben JAckson

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

For more than four decades, Ben Jackson has been a fixture in Freeport through his business, Ben’s General Contracting Corp. Now, the longtime builder finds himself at the center of a zoning debate that could reshape a small stretch just off the Nautical Mile.

Jackson is seeking a variance to convert his Suffolk Street office and construction yard into a market-rate apartment complex, saying the shift is the only way to make the property financially viable after years on the market with no serious buyers.

His initial proposal for 20 one-bedroom units drew questions from the Freeport Zoning Board about parking, density, and height limits, and Jackson has been asked to scale the plan back before resubmitting. In this conversation with the Herald.

Jackson explains why he believes new housing could strengthen the area, what he’s willing to change to address concerns, and why, despite the risks, he’s still determined to try.

Interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Do you think Freeport zoning should be updated to allow for more housing near the Nautical Mile?

A: Do I think it should be, well, so on the Mile, no. But my thought process is, I’m not really on the Mile. I’m not on Woodcleft Avenue So I can’t have a boating business. I can’t get boats out, you know, to my property because I’m not on the water. I think the Nautical Mile, we should keep the standard there, and then we could do some great stuff. But off the Mile, which is on Ocean Avenue. I think it’s not a bad idea.

Q: You’ve owned Ben’s general contracting for 45 years. What led you to start thinking about repurposing your office and yard into housing?

A: It didn’t pay. I paid too much in taxes, everything else. You know, I thought it would be a good idea, but it just didn’t work in my favor.

Q: You had mentioned that the property had been up for sale for almost two years. What kind of interest did you get, and why do you think it didn’t end up selling?

A: I had some phone calls. I never even had an offer. You know, on the Ocean Avenue side, it’s kind of a depressed area. The business there, none of them are marine industrial, none of them fall under that category. Under the current zoning, nobody’s interested in it.

Q: Why did you originally propose a 20 unit building, and what was your vision for how it would really benefit Freeport?

A: I know zoning changes are a big ordeal, but I think allowing residential there, you know, not on a large scale, but a small scale — I plan on doing luxury apartments, not, you know, crap — yeah, I think, I think it’ll bring people to the Mile, bring people in the area. There’s a need for housing and so it’s a win-win.

Q: What’s your vision for how this apartment complex would really benefit Freeport?

A: Why do I think it would benefit Freeport? So you have properties that are undervalued; nobody can get what they paid for on Ocean Avenue. On that side of it, they’re undervalued. This is a way to bring up the value. There was concerns about the density of my property, so we haven’t been approved. I will have to cut it back, and there’s still no guarantees I’ll get approved.

Q: If you do decide to scale back, what might that smaller version of the project look like?

A: Well, we’re talking about going from 20 to 15 or 16 unit. I still need approval. The zoning board just asked me to to make it less dense, and I am working out the schematics of the drawings right now, and I’m working out the finances to make sure it’s worthwhile.

Q: And for the apartments themselves. Are you envisioning mostly studios, one bed-

room, or a mix?

A: No, it’s all one bedroom. And the idea was it wouldn’t be a tax burden, because you typically wouldn’t have kids in a one bedroom. So it might be young people, maybe seniors, whoever wants it. There’s a need for housing, so the demand is there, yeah, but you know, it’s like a starter home, basically, is the idea.

Q: You’d said there’s a need for more market rate rentals in Freeport so what do you see as the biggest gap in the local housing market right now?

A: Oh, it spans everything. I mean, the housing market right now is — and I’m not an expert on this — but there’s a high demand for housing of all types, from single family homes to apartments to everything else.

Q: How might you respond to people who say that new apartments would add to congestion or change the character of neighborhoods?

A: Well, it would add to congestion. So congestion on the Nautical Mile is three months out of the year. So the other nine months, it’s desolate. So those other nine months, you know, now you have people there. Now you have 15 or 16 people who have a one bedroom apartment, who will go out. They need a place to eat, they need a place to shop. It’ll put a couple more people on the Mile. Your restaurant owners who have told me these may be my customers. These may keep me open all year round. These may

keep me open a couple more months. So, I’ve got a letter from the Chamber of Commerce in favor.

Every restaurant owner I’ve spoken to was in favor. Most of them spoke out. They were at the meetings and spoke out. Everybody thinks it’s a good thing, even the residents. We have one resident there, one local resident who was concerned about the parking and that’s one of the things that we’re addressing.

Q: Speaking of, they’d cited multiple zoning issues from height limits to parking shortages. Which of the challenges do you think will be the hardest to overcome, and how are you going to go about it?

A: Parking is a big issue. It’s only three months out of the year, but the parking down there is awful. So if I keep parking on site, that’s a big thing. And even the one resident who was opposed to it said ‘my only concern is the parking.’ He says it gets really tough to park down there, so if I keep the parking all on site, I think I alleviated that. And you know, there was was at least 30 people there and one person opposed. And he said he’s in favor of it. He knows there’s a need for housing, but he’s concerned about the parking so that’s what we’re addressing.

Q: How are you going to address it?

A: Reduce units. There’s a requirement of for one bedroom, you need one and a half parking spaces. So we only had

Builder Ben Jackson is pursuing a zoning variance to convert his Freeport property into an apartment complex.

one for one. So if we reduce units, we’re just about there.

Q: What about the height limit? How might you address that?

A: So the height limit is dicey. So what they did was they took the zoning — I’m in marine commerce, where the height limit is 50 feet. I’m 40 foot 10 inches. They took the zoning from the residential apartment district, which is 40 feet. So I’m only 10 inches above the height requirement, which is the same height as the existing building now so I’m not more intrusive than what I already have. And it’s an extension on any building that I have. This is not a new building.

Q: So you think they might cut you some slack there, or hope?

A: I’m hoping. Yeah, who knows, but I’m hoping.

Businesses band together for a festival

Freeport’s inaugural Pirate Fest could become a beloved new tradition, ensuring that the Nautical Mile remains a destination for fun and adventure all year long, according to organizers.

Our goal is to let people know there’s fun stuff coming.

“We are doing it to remind people that even though the summer is over, the fest, the Nautical Mile is jumping,” said Robyn Workman, owner of the local Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center and one of the event’s chief organizers.

“There’s still things to do down here.”

The Pirate Fest is the brainchild of a group of local business owners who, during a brainstorming session, sought ways to attract visitors during the off-season.

“A few of the vendors and I were sitting and talking about what we could do in the off months,” Workman explained. “How do we attract people to come down? And a few ideas were being bounced around.

“Pirates are fun,” she added, “and that’s how that really came to fruition.”

Festival attendees could look forward to a variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt, taking participants to different restaurants and businesses

Taking Back Control with a Living Trust

In the fall of 1990, thirty-five years ago, your writer first heard of the proposition that if you set up a living trust your estate doesn’t have to go to court to settle – the so-called probate court proceeding for wills. Having spent the previous eleven years as a litigation attorney, and having faced numerous problems probating wills, this sounded too good to be true.

At the time, some of the best estate planning lawyers were in Florida. Perhaps you can guess why. In any event, off I went to Florida to train as an estate planning lawyer and, upon returning, closed the litigation practice and founded Ettinger Law Firm in April 1991, to keep people just like you, dear reader, out of probate court.

The reason I was so excited about the living trust, and continue to be so to this day, is the concept of taking back control from the courts and government and giving it back to you and your family. After all, who doesn’t want control over their affairs?

When you go to court, who’s in charge? The judge, right? Now tell me, does the judge

always act in your best interest? Does the judge ever make a mistake? And when the judge says jump, you know what the answer is!

Not only do you pay considerably for this privilege, but it can take many months and often years to complete the probate court proceeding. Meantime, houses cannot be sold, bank accounts accessed, or investment portfolios managed – at least without the judge’s permission which involves additional time and resources to request. Of course, that permission may be denied as well.

With a living trust, your trustee (formerly your “executor” under the will) may act immediately upon death to sell the house, pay the bills and handle the investments – no permission required! An additional benefit is, in the event you become unable to handle your affairs later in life, your trustee may take over by simply getting a letter from your doctor showing you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs. Essentially then, a living trust gives you back the control your may have thought you had.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

along the Nautical Mile. Those who complete their maps by collecting stamps at each location can return to Sparkle on Stage to claim their “pirate booty”— consisting of prizes for children and gift certificates for adults.

For those eager to embrace their inner buccaneer, pirate costumes are highly encouraged, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed adults and children.

On the water, a catamaran stationed at the esplanade will offer lessons on wrapping and unwrapping sails.

The Freeport Water Taxi will provide one-runner tours, and Sparkle on Stage will host a Kids Cove with arts, crafts, games and karaoke.

A highlight of the day will include four magic shows performed by two swashbuckling magicians, Captain Alexander and Captain Melissa, with performances scheduled at various locations, including Halfway Down, My Little Town Childcare, Sparkle on Stage and, weather permitting, the esplanade.

“Ahoy mates,” Mack from Hurricane Harry’s, a restaurant on the Mile, said in an email about the event. “I’m excited — let’s pack the deck for the boat parade!”

The event is supported by a wide array of local businesses, including Puerta Plata, Halfway Down, My Little Town Childcare, Scoops, Sparkle on Stage, the Water Taxi, Captain Lou’s Fleet, Sapphire Yacht, Being Calm Wellness, Catamaran Services, and more.

Organizers expressed hope that Pirate Fest could become an annual tradition, helping to keep the Nautical Mile bustling throughout the year.

“Our goal is to let people know there’s fun stuff coming,” Workman emphasized. “And then there will be other festivals going on, hopefully in April, and different restaurants will be doing different events throughout the months that are not just summer months.”

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Urging worship houses to apply for grants

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

More than 40 faith leaders representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations from across New York’s 4th Congressional District gathered at Hofstra University on for an informational session with Rep. Laura Gillen aimed at helping houses of worship and nonprofit faith-based organizations apply for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

This is about protecting our holy places, our schools and our community centers.

L AuRA GILLEN

U.S. Representative

“This is about protecting our holy places, our schools and our community centers,” Gillen said. “One of my highest priorities as your representative in Congress is ensuring that Long Islanders feel safe in their houses of worship. The truth is, if we don’t apply for these grants, those dollars will go elsewhere. Given the rise of threats facing religious communities, Long Island cannot afford to leave this funding on the table.”

The NSGP, run by the Department of Homeland Security and administered by FEMA, provides funding nonprofits may use for things such as target hardening, physical security upgrades, contracted security personnel, planning and training — measures intended to reduce the risk of violence at faith institutions and other nonprofit sites. In Fiscal Year 2024, organizations in New York’s 4th District received roughly $2.25 million in NSGP funding.

Gillen said she has been pushing federal officials to

Rep. Laura Gillen hosted an interfaith session with faith leaders from across the 4th Congressional

Sept. 25.

release funds in a timely manner and urged congregations to be ready to act quickly when the application window appears.

“Earlier this year, I pressed the FEMA Administrator to release these funds after months of delay, because I knew how urgently they are needed,” Gillen said. “Now, with the application window expected to be short, it’s critical that our community is ready to act quickly.”

The session follows a districtwide outreach push by Gillen’s office to ensure faith communities across Hempstead, Oceanside, West Hempstead and neighboring towns understand eligibility and allowable uses for NSGP grants.

“Together we can bring more of our tax dollars back to Long Island, strengthen security at our houses of worship and give families the peace of mind they deserve,” Gillen said.

OPEN HOUSE

LUKE MARTINI

WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 for Martini and the Warriors as they captured both the Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV titles. One of a handful of returning starters and a rise to Confernece III, Martini is being counted on to produce even more. So far, so good. He led a 35-7 victory at Elmont Sept. 20 with four rushing touchdowns, all coming in the second half. He finished with 195 yards on the ground with his longest score covering 78.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 3

Football: Carey at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford

Football: Mepham at Glen Cove 6

Football: Baldwin at V.S. Central 6 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at Bethpage 6:30 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.

Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Girls Soccer: Garden City at Wantagh 2 p.m.

Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.

Football: Manhasset at V.S. South 3 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Clarke 3 p.m.

Football: Hewlett at Division 3 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.

Football: C.S. Harbor at North Shore 3 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Elmont 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Uniondale rallies past Freeport

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Trailing by a goal for most of the first half, Uniondale boys’ soccer overwhelmed Freeport in the late stages to complete a 2-1 comeback victory last Friday.

Forward Alberto Pineda scored the go-ahead goal with 11 minutes remaining to keep the Knights atop the Conference AAA standings with a 6-1-1 record.

“It was really lucky but we always needed a goal,” Pineda said. “It wasn’t just me, it was the whole team. Fighting for everything, going for everything.”

Uniondale was in control of the match from the start, producing multiple scoring opportunities without capitalizing early in the first half. Freeport, now 4-4-1, had to rely on its defense and counter-attack, which led to a prime opportunity when sophomore forward Jesus Sorto drew a penalty with 23 minutes to go until halftime.

On the Red Devils’ first attempt taken by midfielder Kevin Leon, Uniondale goalkeeper Herley Jean appeared to make an outstanding save but was ruled to have left the line early. Sorto stepped in to take the shot himself on the second attempt and slipped it just past Jean’s fingers on the right side to give Freeport a 1-0 lead.

The Knights went right back on the attack, relentlessly prodding in search of an equalizing chance. Freeport goalkeeper Kleybersson Corado remained stout all game, limiting Uniondale chances and flipping the field with booming clearance

kicks. But with time nearly expiring at the end of the half, a miscue behind the goalkeeper allowed Uniondale’s Anthony Alvaranga to

steal the ball and knock in an easy score to tie the game 1-1.

If the Red Devils could have hung on for another minute before the first buzz-

er sounded, they might have sustained enough momentum to hold off the Knights in the second half. But with the score even exiting halftime, Uniondale coach Nelson Cohen made the approach abundantly clear for his players.

“Besides scoring goals, we have to show the grit,” Cohen said. “By the end, 26 players matter in the match, because the energy from the bench to the field is what really transpired. Yes, we scored goals, the passing was good, the possession was good. But more importantly, we showed a lot of grit, and I think that was the essence of the victory.”

After knocking on the doors for the better part of the second half, Pineda finally got his opportunity directly in front of the goal. His header hit the crossbar and careened into the back of the net, sending a small army of Uniondale players in tight celebratory formation behind their long-awaited scorer.

Freeport desperately tried to rally in the closing minutes but could not find a chance to equalize the score. Red Devils coach Craig Klasson described the game as a learning experience for his developing players.

“We played hard, and this is a team that we circle when we get the schedule,” Klasson said. “This season, we just didn’t play our best game.”

Since losing to Farmingdale in its first game, Uniondale has not been defeated despite running into several stubborn opponents. In four straight games decided by one goal or less, the Knights have earned three victories and one draw.

Car and truck fans gather for Fall finale

The Town of Hempstead closed out the car show season in style on Sunday, Sept. 28, hosting its annual Fall Finale Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show at Town Park in Point Lookout.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., spectators packed the grounds to admire an array of custom cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Gates opened early at 7 a.m., and by mid-morning the venue was filled with polished chrome, revving engines, and classic designs.

The event featured competitively judged entries, live entertainment, vendors, and a lively kids zone. Attendees also enjoyed the beer garden, “touch-atruck” experiences, and displays of iconic movie cars. For many, one of the highlights was the chance to meet and greet well-known builders, including Martin Bros Customs, Count’s Kustoms, and Bill Carlton.

This year’s show also expanded to include a Tow Truck Show, drawing interest from industry professionals and families alike.

Spectators turned out in droves, taking advantage of free admission and ample parking. Vehicle owners who registered in advance paid $25, while day-of registration was $30.

John Ferretti, who was appointed Town of Hempstead supervisor, and other officials were on hand to welcome residents, celebrating both the impressive vehicles and the community spirit that carried the event.

With fall leaves as the backdrop, the Fall Finale served as the perfect capstone to the season, bringing together car lovers, families, and vendors for a day of horsepower and hometown pride.

–Mohammad Rafiq

Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Long Island is home to some of the nation’s most skilled medical practitioners, the best of whom were honored at the Herald’s fourth annual Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Awards.

The ceremony — at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on Sept. 17 — brought together almost 40 groups representing hospitals, researchers and independent practices.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of the Herald, began the gala evening by praising Long Island’s medical community for their unrivaled research and innovative programs and services.

“We’re here tonight to honor the doctors, nurses, hospital executives, educators, caregivers, and so many others who keep our families and our communities healthy, safe and informed,” he said. “Our honorees tonight are sources of both strength and inspiration, walking alongside us at some of the lowest and highest moments in life.”

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne, the creator of Hulu’s first true crime series “Missing,” emceed the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Dr. Purna Prasad, CEO of Vedi Robotics in Hicksville, led off the night’s awards segment preceding the distribution of honors.

“Our evolution in Vedi Robotics has made us who we are today,” he said. “We identified one problem that is always a challenge for healthcare: a deficit of workforce.”

During his tenure of 30 years at Stanford and Northwell, Prasad observed machine learning and artificial intelligence mature as a field of study. After two and a half years, his team produced a robotic platform that is ready for deployment; it can check in patients, process their paperwork and take their vitals.

“That whole concept of home-grown, state-of-the-art technology — you could say we are a flagship for that,” he said.

Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.

“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring a curated artificial intelligence into the arena that is only going to be beneficial,” Vedi Robotics COO John Power added.

A portion of ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Center at Stony Brook University. The LEND program, recipient of the Community Health Champions special award, provides interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation — along with professionals, families and self-advocates — to lead in their fields as providers of high quality care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.

“Our team truly excels, in an interdisciplinary fashion, to deliver health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families,” LEND Program Director Michelle Ballan said. “We offer hundreds of hours of training for people with disabilities and healthcare professionals to learn how to work effec-

tively with this group.”

Kerri Anne Scanlon, president of Northwell’s Glen Cove, Syosset and Plainview hospitals, received the Healthcare Visionary special award alongside CEOElect John D’Angelo; Northwell CEO Michael Dowling was honored with the Healthcare Legacy special award.

“I think the foundation of Northwell is really the incredible culture,” Scanlon said. “It’s a culture that truly invests in its employees. It’s a culture about worrying about someone as much as yourself, and then building that engagement so that we can give the best care to our patients.”

Carolyn Quinn, the director of Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center, received the Community Health Champions special award. The pediatric hospital was honored for providing outstanding long-term care for children.

“The team is just over the moon,” she said. “They are an amazing group of women, just an amazing group made up of three nurses and three certified holistic nurses and four Reiki Masters who are also certified and gifted in other holistic services. There’s quite a menu of services that we offer.”

Anne Petraro. founder and CEO of

The team is just over the moon.

CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center

Mending Hearts Counseling in Elmont, was honored with a Community Health Champions award for establishing an Article 31 MHOTRS clinic during the pandemic to aid underserved communities, specializing in brain care.

“I would love to change the face of mental health,” she said. “There’s so much stigma against it. And I guess by starting this agency, we’re kind of coming with a different approach, more of like a private practice feeling where everyone feels at home.”

Co-founders Linda Harkavy and Mitchell Goldstein of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness in East Meadow received the Power Couple special award.

“We’re focused on now, rather than disease management and crisis management, keeping people well and getting them well and having them enjoy their best lives,” Harkavy said. “We engage in wellness, not only body but mind.”

Their practice now offers Exomind, an advanced non-invasive brain therapy designed to help patients with depression, anxiety and OCD.

“We’ve been doing health care here in Long Island for 40 years, and it’s been our great pleasure helping so many people over these decades,” Goldstein said. “We’ve taken it now to the next level with state of the art medical care and devices to improve people’s longevity and wellness — Nassau County deserves that.”

The following individuals were each recipients of Excellence in Healthcare awards.

Alla Shenkman is the former medical

director of PM Pediatrics in Syosset. After 10 years in the role, she stepped down to return to work as a regular physician.

“It’s my passion,” Shenkman said. “I love it. PM Pediatrics is a great — probably largest — urgent care for pediatric patients in the country, and I’ve been there since day one. I certainly want to thank all my colleagues. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. It was a mutual effort to bring PM Pediatrics to where we are today.”

Howard Goodman, better known as the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, is the recipient of numerous Herald honors: two Long Island Choice, one Long Island Health and Beauty, and now two Excellence in Healthcare awards.

“All these awards put us on the map,” he said.

Goodman uses all-natural methods to help patients reach their ideal weight while combating common internet misinformation.

“We’re fixing the damage that’s caused by these erroneous medications,” he said.

Brian Caberas is the COO of the People’s Arc of Suffolk, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities across Suffolk County.

“We offer them residential alternatives and the ability to find jobs out in the community and a multitude of other services as well,” he said. “We want the People’s Arc of Suffolk to become the premier provider for people with disabilities.”

Sponsors of the event include Northwell Health, Episcopal Health Services, Henry Schein, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, The Speech Language Place, Brightview Senior Living, Stony Brook University LEND Center, Mending Hearts Counseling, Veda Robotics, LiveOnNY, People’s Arc of Suffolk, Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, PM Pediatric Care, Bellmore Dermatology, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the New York Institute of Technology.

To view a complete list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/healthcare-awards/honorees.

Nature’s mystery inspires Arlene Gomez

dren, and returned to freelance work once they were older. Art, however, was always part of her life. She continued sketching and painting, but it wasn’t until she joined the Baldwin Senior Citizens Club’s oil painting group six years ago that she began to take landscape art more seriously.

Her landscapes are inspired by the natural world around her. She is drawn to the “rich colors that nature gives us,” she said, and strives to “put my own expression to it.” Landscapes are, for Gomez, a way to feel “more free and appreciative to what the Lord has given us.”

She finds still lifes less compelling, saying, “Still life you can, you know, put a pot and some vegetables or flowers and, you know, it’s just OK, it’s there. But nature itself, it’s mysterious and beautiful at the same time, and still dangerous.”

One of her favorite works was inspired by a photo her nephew took upstate. She was captivated by fog coming in over the hills, and enhanced the scene with her own colors and vision.

Gomez’s sense of belonging has evolved over time. Growing up in New York City, she was always surrounded by family. “We lived with them in their brownstone,” she says of her grandparents describing a childhood where she was rarely alone. Safety and community were paramount, and she noted that “everybody watched over everyone else.”

Today, she said, that sense of community is harder to find, especially in the city.

Her multicultural background sometimes made her feel like an outsider. She recalls not being “accepted by my own because I was fair” and having a “little German accent” as a child. But over time, she learned to navigate multiple languages and cultures, speaking German, Italian and Spanish as well as English, she said.

Having her art displayed in Freeport is deeply meaningful for Gomez. “It made me feel welcome,” she said. “It made me feel I belong to, in other words, to a tribe.”

As she grows older, she finds comfort in her heritage and the community she has found through art, and Baldwin, and Long Island, offer a sense of safety and beauty that she treasures. “It’s beautiful — you see a lot of nature,” she said. “It’s not a lot of concrete, like in the city. The people are very friendly. I just feel safe, and it was great for my sons to grow up.”

It’s the perfect setting for an artist whose work is rooted in the landscapes around her, and this month the Art Alcove at the Rec Center will be the perfect place to see the world through Gomez’s eyes.

Town proposes 18 percent tax cut for 2026

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Just under six weeks before Election Day, the Town of Hempstead unveiled an 18 percent tax cut in its general fund as part of its 2026 budget.

The tax cut is anticipated to reduce the overall tax levy by $5 million, according to town officials, by “directly putting that money back into the pockets of every single taxpayer,” said John Ferretti, who was appointed town supervisor on Aug. 5 after Don Clavin resigned.

The announcement was made at Hempstead Town Hall on Sept. 25, 50 days after Ferretti was appointed.

“This budget is the result of fiscal responsibility, bipartisan collaboration and a deep commitment to preserving the suburban quality of life that makes the Town of Hempstead so special,” he added.

The budget was crafted to provide relief to families struggling with inflation and rising costs, Ferretti said, without compromising essential town services.

He described unfunded state mandates totaling $15 million as a significant challenge to town finances. Those services and programs, which the state requires but doesn’t pay for, directly impact the town’s budget.

“I’m intently focused on preserving

our community’s suburban dream of an affordable quality of life,” Ferretti said.

“The town’s $576 million budget still manages to cut taxes while preserving vital services, investing in infrastructure and supporting residents of all ages.”

Joe Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for supervisor, agrees that Hempstead residents deserve lower taxes, but he contends that they also deserve more

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transparency from the town.

“If Ferretti and his Republican allies truly wanted to save taxpayers’ money, the first thing they’d do is return the hefty raises they quietly gave themselves,” Scianablo wrote in a news release. “If you are going to set the fire and then claim credit for putting the fire out, then go the entire distance.”

Ferretti noted that 4 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the town, and

the rate is less than 1 cent per dollar for those living in incorporated villages. Town services include maintaining 1,200 miles of roadway; managing over 200 parks and recreational facilities; and providing sanitation services for 85,000 homes, clean water for over 121,000 customers and programs for more than 200,000 senior residents, as well as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, building permits, code enforcement, and much more.

Oceanside resident Danielle Asher said she was perplexed about how the town could cut taxes 18 percent now, after a substantial tax increase was implemented earlier this year.

“I need an explanation of how the problems were resolved that made them raise our taxes 12 percent in the first place,” Asher wrote on Facebook. “If the budget is remaining flat, then who is splitting the bill?”

Richard Schurin, of Island Park, shared those sentiments. “Their budgeting practice makes absolutely no financial sense and appears to be politically motivated,” Schurin posted on Facebook.

The 2026 town budget will be presented to the Town Board for possible adoption on Oct. 16. Public hearings are scheduled for that day, at 2:30 and 7 p.m., in the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead.

STEPPING OUT

Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops

By Karen Bloom

ANew York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.

The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.

“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”

The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.

“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.

“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”

And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.

“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”

This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft

Yes:

‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Throughout a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums, Yes has electrified audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety. “Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it propelled the band to headline status in the U.S.

Tony Danza stars in the return of the orchestra’s gala benefit concert

shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.

Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.

“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.

The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.

“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.

• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30; available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville

Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.

As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.

Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.

“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”

And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.

“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”

Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Roomful of Blues

The renowned, horn powered, Grammy-nominated, houserocking “little big band” is ready to celebrate STEPPIN’ OUT!, their first new album in five years. With this album, Roomful of Blues brings something new to the table. After 19 releases with male singers, STEPPIN’ OUT! is the first to feature a female vocalist, the sublime D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. For over 50 years, this beloved, iconic and much honored band has been delivering wildly infectious, hard-swinging blues. Guided by guitarist-bandleader Chris Vachon since 19989, Roomful remains a defining musical force in the blues world, with their sound rooted in tradition, but their sights reaching far into the future.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $38. My Father’s Place in Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com or (516) 5800887.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

4

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create with kids at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art when it resumes following the summer hiatus. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. $20, $10 child; members free.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Noon-3 p.m.

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

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for the next storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Stephen Wunderli’s “Little Boo.” In this charming seasonal tale a pumpkin seed tries unsuccessfully to be scary until it grows into a pumpkin and Halloween arrives. With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Support the Alzheimer’s Association their annual walk, the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, in 600 communities nationwide, including Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Parking Lot 6/6A

• Time: 9 a.m. check-in; 10 a.m. ceremony

• Contact: alz.org/longisland

OCT

5

Splish Splash… Animal Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’

swing, bossa nova, and more. A night of exciting live music at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center.

• Where: 195 Woodcleft Ave.

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

• Contact: sparkleonstage.org

Arty Party

OCT

16

The Long Island Arts Council at Freeport hosts its annual “Arty Party” fundraiser, supporting local arts programming with music, food and community celebration.

• Where: The Bayview, 395 Woodcleft Ave.

• Time: 6:30-10 p.m.

• Contact: liacfreeport.org or (516) 223-2522

Little Learners Art Lab

Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the most exciting breakout artists in the jazz world. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, storydriven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Kortum discovered her passion for music at Houston’s legendary High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied flute and saxophone before ultimately falling in love with singing. She went on to earn a degree in jazz voice from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with some of the leading voices in modern jazz. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album. featuresreimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions like obsession, promiscuity, self-pride, and hatred. She gives her audience a glimpse into the past, present, and future of jazz through her unique arrangements and improvisatory deliveries.

In concert

Pianist Philip Edward Fisher returns to Adelphi University for an afternoon of music for solo piano. He performs three of Chopin’s works: Variations Brilliantes, Fantasie in F minor and Sonata No 2 in B-flat minor. The program also include Haydn’s Fantasia in C Major, along with works by Corigliano, Mompou and Scriabin. Fisher is widely recognized as a unique performer of refined style and exceptional versatility. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.

• Where: Adelphi University’s Westermann Stage, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000

OCT 6

Long Island Choral Society Auditions

Audition now and be part of something bigger, a bold, inclusive future for choral music. The Long Island Choral Society holds its final audition for new members for their 96th Season. The 2025-26 season

includes Let’s Go to the Movies, a celebration of choral music in film, Schubert’s Mass in G as well as Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other musical performance opportunities throughout the coming year. Auditions are by appointment only. Whether you’re a lifelong singer or just finding your voice, you belong here! If you love to sing, consider auditioning to be part of this tradition of musical excellence. Visit lics.org for more.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City

• Contact: Schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org

OCT

7

Eat! Drink! Play!

Enjoy a night of food, drinks, raffles, and trivia to benefit the Freeport Historical Society & Museum. Buffet dinner donated by Jeremy’s Ale House. With raffles and 50/50. Proceeds help fund Freeport Historical Society & Museum renovations and preservation efforts. Admission is $25. Buy ahead of time via Eventbrite, visit Jeremy’s (tickets sold at bar) or call the museum for tickets.

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

• Where: 239 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 623-9632

Operation SPLASH meets

Operation SPLASH holds its regular meeting, open to volunteers and the public. Topics include bay cleanup and community initiatives.

• Where: 202 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: operationsplash.org

OCT

9

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week create one-of-a-kind wave paintings with a sensory twist. $4 with museum admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

OCT

18

Community Resource Fair

Connect with local nonprofits and service agencies at Freeport Memorial Library to discover valuable services and volunteer opportunities in the Freeport area. Open to all, no registration required.

• Where: 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport

• Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274

Senior Health Expo

The Village of Freeport and State Sen. Siela Bynoe sponsor a free senior health expo featuring wellness information, screenings and resources.

• Where: Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Road

• Time: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Contact: freeportny.org

OCT

10

Panacea at Sparkle on Stage Panacea returns to Freeport with an energetic mix of Latin,

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.

2,

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS 2025 ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT FOR THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Notice is hereby given that the Purchasing Department of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York will receive sealed proposals for “2025 ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT”

until 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in the Main Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520, at which time and place they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be seen and obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520, or by visiting the Village’s Website at www.freeportny.gov.

Bids will be available from 9:00 A.M. on Monday, October 6, 2025 until 4:00 P.M. Friday, October 17, 2025. There is no charge for the bid documents. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bid proposals received and subject to these reservations, shall award the contract to the lowest qualified and responsible bidder. Bids, which, in the opinion of the Board, are unbalanced, shall be rejected.

In submitting a bid, bidders agree not to withdraw their bid within forty five (45) days after the date for the opening thereof.

Taylor D’Orta Purchasing Agent Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT Issue Date - October 2, 2025 Freeport Herald 156083

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF WATER AND LIGHT COMMISSION TIME CHANGE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly scheduled meetings of the Water and Light Commission scheduled for the second Wednesday in March, June, September and December,220 West Sunrise Highway, will commence at 4:00 P.M.

Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk

DATED:Freeport, New York

October 2, 2025 156084

LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING - October 16, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Public Hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Main Conference Room, 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York on the appeals and applications of cases as they appear on the calendar; residential applications that do not extend their prior nonconforming status may be called first; public comment invited. It is anticipated that the Board will adjourn the Legislative Session and enter into Executive Session until 6:30 P.M. INTERESTED PROPERTY OWNERS and other persons should appear at the above time and place to have questions answered and to voice opinions.

All applications are non-conforming with zoning regulations herein specified for the districts in which they are located.

Application #2025-11206 Church Street, Residence A - Section 55/Block 366/Lot 70Proposed 1-story front addition 118 SF, 2Ω story rear addition 5,536 SF, new 45 SF front steps & platform with roof, new 20’ x 25’garage, 20’ x 10’ shed, 2 new cellar entrances and replace existing driveway with 3,143 SF circular driveway and pave 2,393 SF area on the side of the house.

Variances: Village Ordinance

§210-6A.§210-21 Permissible Extensions of Use, §210-41 Lot Coverage; Floor Area Ratio.

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 156081

LEGAL NOTICE

SITE PLAN REVIEW BOARD MEETINGOCTOBER 14, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Public Hearing will be held before the Site Plan Review Board on Tuesday, October 14,

2025, at 7:00 P.M., in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Main Conference Room, 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, on Site Plan applications as they appear on the calendar; public comment invited. The Board will meet at 6:00 P.M. in the Trustees Conference Room to discuss cases not requiring a public hearing; open to the public, no public comment.

INTERESTED PROPERTY

OWNERS and other persons should appear at the above time and place to have questions answered and to voice opinions.

SP-3841 - 691 S Bayview Avenue, Section 62/Block 187/Lot 13. Residence A. David Riemer. Construct new 3,743 sq. ft. 3-story house with attached garage, 1 rear deck 180 sq. ft., and 1 rear balcony 52.5 sq. ft.

SP-3842 - 92 Evans Avenue, Section 55/Block 396/Lot 50. Residence A. Peter Pekich. Construct 2,648 sq. ft. 2-story 1-family dwelling.

SP-3844 - 132 W Sunrise Highway, Section 55/Block 168/Lot 4. Business B. Freeport Rx Inc. Maintain 98” x 64” window advertisement.

SP-3852 - 249 W Merrick Road, Section 62/Block 125/Lot 31. Business AA. Arthur Mott. Construct 394 sq. ft. 2nd floor addition and interior alterations. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 156082

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC., -against-

ERNESTINA DELVALLE, AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. ROLLINS A/K/A BARBARA ROLLINS, 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 April 14, 2023, wherein WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC., is the Plaintiff and ERNESTINA DELVALLE, AS ADMINISTRATRIX

OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA A. ROLLINS A/K/A BARBARA ROLLINS, ET AL. are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 3, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 20 LILLIAN AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification 55-447-103; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602944/2018. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 156000

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee, in trust for the registered holders of ACE Securities Corp., Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-NC3, Asset Backed PassThrough Certificates, Plaintiff AGAINST Christopher Prescott; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 18, 2018, amended August 22, 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 November 5, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises

known as 205 New York Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at New Cassel, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 11 Block 30 Lot 79 (Lot Group 79 and 80). Approximate amount of judgment $708,798.90 plus interest and costs. Premises wil l be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003168/2014. Jason P. Sackoor, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: September 16, 2025 For sale information, please visit Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 87156 155987

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstANDREA BATTLE A/K/A ANDREA BATTLEBROWN, 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 July 7, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANDREA BATTLE A/K/A ANDREA BATTLEBROWN, 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 October 31, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 572 MILLER AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification

62-182-239; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602567/2020. Edward Andreas Vincent, 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. 155996

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MITCHELL PENDARVIS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VALARIE COLLIER, KAYLA SIGMORE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VALARIE COLLIER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 13, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 58 Weberfield Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 207 and Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment $451,981.90 plus

interest and costs. Prem ises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615127/2023. Ellen N. Savino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003027 87258 155985

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE TRUST 2006-3, ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, Plaintiffagainst - SANDRO COLLADO, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 22, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 30th day of October, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 213 North Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520.

(Section: 54, Block: 55, Lot: 3)

Approximate amount of lien $603,189.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 618335/2023. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: September 4, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and

maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 155976

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST DIANA J. BARNES A/K/A DIANE CARTER A/K/A DIANA CARTER; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 7, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 39 Lessing Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55 Block: 377 Lots: 1267, 1268, and 1269. Approximate amount of judgment $331,470.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011584/2007. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rocheste r, NY 14614 NSRNC625 86734 155642

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR REO TRUST 2017RPL1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS,

Public Notices

AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENTS VIOLA WHALEY AND WALTER GRABOWSKI BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and for Nunc Pro Tunc Relief duly entered on July 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 62 East First Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 69 and Lot 189. Approximate amount of judgment is $390,426.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616841/2022. Cash will not be accepted.

Michelle Aulivola, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155694

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -against-

MICHAEL L. GIOVINO, 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 January 9, 2025, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL L. GIOVINO, 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 October 15, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 306 ARTHUR STREET, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification 62-90-90 & 91; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617175/2022. Brian J. Davis, 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. 155702

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005, GSAMP TRUST 2005-WMC1, Plaintiff, Against DOMINIC VILLONI, ESQ., AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND MILITARY ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN A. FIORITO A/K/A JOHN FIORITO, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/02/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court

Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 10/14/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 148 Meister Boulevard, Freeport, New York 11520, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 0054 Block 00330-00 Lot 00015 and 00016.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $464,006.92 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 005733/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 8/8/2025 File Number: 560-4138 CA 155700

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST

C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstMARIE F. BAUDUY, 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 June 27, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST

C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the

Plaintiff and MARIE F. BAUDUY, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 14, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 346 MARYLAND AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; tax map identification 36-K01-38; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OF PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603000/2019. Scott H. Siller, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155704

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, PLAINTIFF, VS. DANIELLE E. LAGUERRE AKA DANIELLE LAGUERRA

PAULIN, ET AL., DEFENDANT(S).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 15, 2025 at

2:00 p.m., premises known as 38 Connecticut Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 56 and Lots 59 and 60. Approximate amount of judgment is $356,526.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604348/2018.

Joseph Trotti, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 220997-1 155696

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAUU.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, -againstEDGAR VLADIMIR OSORIO, JR., AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF WILFRED OSORIO; MARIA OSORIO; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTTE OF WILFRED OSORIO; BENEFICIAL HOMEOWNER SERVICE CORPORATION; KABE CAPITAL, LLC; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants, Index No. 611900/2024

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above

named DefendantsYOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 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 your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated August 22, 2025. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOMEIf you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goodstein, A.J.S.C. Dated: August 22, 2025 Filed: August 28, 2025. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 83 East Greenwich Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. Dated: June 16, 2025 Filed: September 3, 2025 Greenspoon Marder LLP., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Raspreet Bhatia, Esq. 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 (212) 524-5000 F:

(212) 524-5050 (No Service by fax) Please respond to Cypress Creek Office: Trade Centre South, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 155698

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERIFICATE HOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 2006-19, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-19, Plaintiff, vs. KERWIN STEPHENS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE DECEDENT PETER STEPHENS A/K/A PETER G. STEVENS A/K/A PETER GORDON STEVENS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 28, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 4 Maxson Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 55 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $614,736.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601622/2019. Cash will not be accepted. Michael Langer, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155823

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SABR MORTGAGE LOAN 2008-1 REO SUBSIDIARY-1 LLC,

Plaintiff, Against PATRICK BROADNAX AS ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF LORAINE RIZO; RAFAEL RIZO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LORAINE RIZO; TONY RIZO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LORAINE RIZO; ERIC RIZO AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LORAINE RIZO; et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 09/28/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 10/21/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 5 2nd Place, Roosevelt, New York 11575, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0055 Block 00450 Lot 00142 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $379,163.30 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 006711/2016 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Tiffany D. Frigenti, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 9/5/2025 File Number: 17-301421 CA 155829

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO.: 607624/2024

DATE FILED: 4/9/2025

SUMMONS

L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Plaintiff, -againstANNIE TUCKER and KIMBERLY TUCKER, if

2,

they be living, if they be dead, their 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 ANNIE TUCKER and KIMBERLY TUCKER, if they 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 plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER; 341 EAST LLC; MORET LLC; NOYACK GATE LLC; UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; TD BANK USA N.A., “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12”, the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

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, exclusive 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.

publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, dated Sept. 4, 2025 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses thereon to premises k/a Section 55, Block 260, Lot 12.

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: April 8, 2025 LEVY & LEVY

Attorneys for Plaintiff 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655 BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. #102526 155827

Suite 840, New York, NY 10170.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 10, 2020, and amended on January 5, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 365 Wallace Street, Freeport, NY 11520. Sec 55 Block 397 Lot 232 and 233. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $484,478.30 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000740/2016. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844)400-9633. Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee File # 21-03756NY 155831

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU

notice that the Court has ordered that each person not a party to the action who, as of August 27, 2024, had a lien upon any undivided share or interest in the property known as 23 West Seaman Avenue, aka 23 W. Seaman Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520, in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section: 55, Block: 259, Lot: 10, to appear before the undersigned referee, Ellen Savino, at the office of Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC, 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 601, Uniondale, New York 11553, on October 15, 2025, at 10: 30 am to prove his/her lien and the true amount due or to become due to him/her by reason thereof. Please call the referee, Ellen Savino, at 516-228-1300 prior to appearing to advise of your intention to appear. Ellen Savino, Referee. 155821

Public Notices Public

Crime watCh

arrests

On Sept. 12, Freeport police arrested a person who was stopped for a traffic infraction and found to be driving while intoxicated. They were taken to Freeport Police Headquarters for processing.

On Sept. 13, a person was arrested after being pulled over for a traffic violation and determined to be intoxicated while driving. They were transported to police headquarters for processing.

On Sept. 21, police arrested a person who had taken property from a local business without permission. The person was brought to Freeport Police Headquarters for processing.

On Sept. 22, police arrested a person who was drinking alcohol in public and discovered to have an active warrant for making graffiti. The individual was processed at Freeport Police Headquarters.

On Sept. 22, police responded to a call for an unwanted person and found the individual had an open warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance. The person was arrested and processed.

LarCeny

On Sept. 20, a report was taken after someone attempted to cash a fraudulent check using another person’s bank account. No arrest was made.

On Sept. 21, a report was filed for a damaged vehicle window outside a local residence. No suspect was identified and no arrest was made.

assauLt

On Sept. 15, a person was arrested after a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation. Police say the individual punched the victim in the face multiple times. The person was taken to Freeport Police Headquarters for processing.

misCeLLaneous

On Sept. 20, two people got into a verbal argument over money that escalated when one punched the other. No injuries were reported and no arrest was made.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-CW1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff against RONY LUNDY, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue,

DEYANISSA

BONIFACIO PAEZ, Plaintiff - againstJESUS DELEON, Defendant, Index No. 604616/2023. Pursuant to an Order of Reference dated August 27, 2024 and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 29, 2024, and a Supplemental Amended Order of Reference dated May 29, 2025 and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 2, 2025, the undersigned Successor Referee gives

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wilmington Trust, NA, successor trustee to Citibank, N.A., as Trustee f/b/o holders of Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Inc., Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust 2006-8, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-8, Plaintiff AGAINST Sergia M. Minaya, Julio Estevez, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 15, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 23, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 34 Grand Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 55., BLOCK: 23601, LOT: 222. Approximate amount of judgment $565, 937.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold

news brief

Two women charged in prostitution case

Two women were arrested in Freeport on Thursday, Sept. 25, following an undercover investigation into prostitution at 30 S. Ocean Avenue.

According to authorities, investigators determined the location was being used for prostitution. Yorgelis RiverosSanchez, 29, of Curran Street in Pennsylvania, and Yennyfer Curieux-Merida, 35, of East Elmhurst, were taken into custody.

Curieux-Merida was charged with

subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001309/2015. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Andrew K. Preston, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-029399-F01 87192 155867

prostitution and unauthorized practice of a profession. Riveros-Sanchez was charged with prostitution. Both were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to return to First District Court in Hempstead on Oct. 15.

Officials said Riveros-Sanchez is in the United States illegally and was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

–Mohammad Rafiq

CALCON MUTUAL MORTGAGE LLC DBA ONETRUST HOME LOANS, Plaintiff AGAINST MARTECH LLC, PARKER HART LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on

October 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 335 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62 Block 44 Lot 391. Approximate amount of judgment $647,773.64 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600764/2023. Jaime David Ezratty, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-0038 31 87077 155863

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A. If you remember the story of the three little pigs, you’ll also remember the big, bad wolf, who huffed and puffed … Salt spray is just one of the natural issues you’re dealing with. If you’re concerned about possible rust, verify with the company engineering the metal system that the building will be subjected to salt.

If the steel components are galvanized, zinc-coated, anodized or stainless steel — that is, treated to resist salt — then the best choice is the steel system, for many reasons. Consider all the elements your building must resist, not just salt. Wind, water and weight settlement are also factors that any professional building designer, either an architect or engineer, would examine as well.

A wood building, by the standards of state building codes, would still require metal connections to hold places where wood parts are joined to meet wind-resistance requirements. Wood-to-steel connections aren’t as strong as steel-to-steel connections, generally, due to the reactions of the dissimilar materials. Those reactions include internal expansion and contraction that can loosen wood fibers, warping, twisting and the loss of fiber strength due to changes in moisture of the fibers. The fibers loosen as they expand with moisture, so metal screws or nails can pull out in extreme conditions.

Metal-to-metal will hold together better, because the reactions are similar in metal-to-metal connections. In similar expansion and contraction, the screw connections will stay connected. After virtually every tornado and hurricane disaster, investigators uncover evidence that steel-to-steel connectors held together, while wood connections often failed.

As for the foundation, consider that a helical pile is like a screwed-down fastener and a tree root system combined. Whoever told you that a building next to an open body of water need only be attached to a concrete slab was misleading and uninformed about the power of any large body of water in motion. Just by researching the height of ocean surges on your smartphone, you can educate yourself to the fact that the ocean height rose as much as 32 feet and moved inland at levels between 12 and 15 feet in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once the surge contacts land, it can reduce to 7 feet from that greater surge and spill inland, reducing in height to where some people experienced 3 to 4 feet while others saw only ankle-deep water. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

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Trump meets with the king and mixes it up at the U.N.

president Trump’s state visit to Great Britain and his meetings with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized the continued significance of personal diplomacy in international affairs.

Trump’s royal welcome by King Charles III at Windsor Castle demonstrated the lasting relationship between the United States and Great Britain. (I say this as an Irish-American who severely criticized British policy in Ireland in the years before the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.) The reality is that beyond a common language, Americans and Brits share common values emanating from the Magna Carta. British leaders have demonstrated firmness and strength at key moments in our history.

Winston Churchill stood alone, defending Western civilization against Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the dark early days of World War II, and then, in the postwar years, alerted the U.S. and the world to the growing menace of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.

Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-

dent Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring down the Soviet empire.

Tony Blair stood with President George W. Bush and America in the aftermath of 9/11. I observed Blair behind the scenes during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and was struck by his extraordinary courage and leadership. That British leadership continues today, as Britain provides weapons to Ukraine and deploys RAF fighter jets to Poland to help the nations resisting Russian aggression.

The state dinner Charles hosted for Trump was more than pomp and ceremony. It was a dramatic affirmation of the special relationship between our nations. This show of unity was particularly vital when totalitarian states — Russia, China and North Korea— threaten world security. In his remarks, Charles urged the U.S. and Great Britain to stand strong against Russian aggression in Ukraine, as we did against Hitler. (My wife, Rosemary, and I met then Prince Charles in Washington in 2011. He was very engaging and down to earth.)

ing, friendly relationship. Their meeting certainly appeared to go well, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and Europe standing with Ukraine.

By all accounts, the president’s visit to Great Britain was a solid success.

F for the General Assembly, a classic performance on the world stage.

The following week, he was in New York for the annual opening of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump was the first major leader to speak, and it was a classic Trump performance brought to the world stage. He began by mercilessly critiquing the U.N. for being consistently ineffective, exemplified that morning by the malfunctioning of an escalator and his teleprompter.

al concessions to Putin).

Just hours after his General Assembly speech — which went three times longer than his allotted time — Trump met with Zelensky, and went beyond just criticizing Russia and Putin. He made a full reversal. Informed by a key adviser, Gen. Keith Kellogg, how weak Russia was after having suffered more than a million casualties, taken control of only 1 percent of Ukraine and with its economy in shambles, Trump hailed Ukraine’s courage and fighting ability. With allied support, he said, Ukraine could win the war and regain its lost territory, and that NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes that violate their air space.

I have supported Ukraine from the start, not just because its position is just, but because it’s in America’s national interest for Russia’s aggression to be stopped.

The following day, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Though Starmer is a member of the Labor Party and has a number of policy and ideological differences with Trump, the two are known to have a good work-

Not content to assail the organization itself, Trump verbally attacked countries individually and continents collectively. He was particularly critical of Russia and its dictator, Vladimir Putin, for its continued attacks on Ukraine, especially its innocent civilians. Significantly, one country that was spared Trump’s caustic criticism was Ukraine (in stark contrast with Trump’s White House encounter earlier this year with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he criticized for continuing to wage what Trump thought was a futile battle against Russia, because Ukraine had “no cards” left to play and would have to make territori-

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failure to stop Hitler at Munich because it was a “faraway” war led to World War II and millions of deaths, including more than 400,000 Americans. I believe that Trump’s visit with our closest ally was a reminder of the necessity to follow Churchill’s example, stand with Europe against Russian imperialism and not let the tragic failures of appeasement and isolationism be repeated.

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

There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani

Over the past few weeks, Democrats have been having a slugfest over the question of the obligation of party officials to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. The debate was triggered by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs angrily pledged that he would not support Mamdani, in an obvious break with the governor. So who’s right and who’s wrong?

power in the House of Representatives. A state chair’s endorsement of a controversial mayoral candidate could reverberate around the state. and beyond.

First of all, to quote my parents, it’s a free country. You’re entitled to endorse whomever you want, and Jacobs has the right to break from Hochul. She has yet to explain why she endorsed Mamdani, but I have no doubt that she has her own bona fide reasons to do so.

And Jacobs has a lot of reasons to disagree with her endorsement. Next year there will be dozens of congressional races that will decide the balance of

The more I’ve thought about Mamdani’s candidacy, the more I’m convinced that there are lots of reasons why some Democrats will rightly shun him. He made a decision to run for mayor after analyzing the field of potential opponents, and had the backing of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. He had the endorsements of other socialist and progressive groups that have the ability to organize voterturnout operations and have helped elected a number of members of the State Assembly. They’re especially effective when moderate Democrats are sound asleep.

Tmedia and old-time get-out-the-vote operations to win the nomination. He had a story to tell right out of the socialist playbook.

He focused on the high cost of living in the city, and pledged free bus rides, a rent freeze and public grocery stores. While these promises aren’t realistic, they appealed to thousands of young voters, many of whom had never voted in a primary.

he failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse him is no surprise.

Mamdani saw that his Democratic rivals would likely be former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. Both had a ton of political problems that would affect their chances — indeed, Adams suspended his campaign on Sunday — and that gave Mamdani a clear field to tell his story, and utilize social

Another facet of the campaign is that the vast majority of moderate voters don’t vote in city primaries. They show up in November for the general election, but don’t understand that the primaries determine who the candidates will be in November. It’s no surprise that all of these factors combined to help Mamdani win a decisive victory, which stunned Democratic elected leaders as well as party officials. While they privately conceded that Mamdani won fair and square, they simply couldn’t believe that a socialist might be the next mayor. Aside from the fact that Mamdani wasn’t a moderate candidate, once the primary was over, the media began exploring his views on Israel, and focused on his

Muslim background. He had made numerous controversial statements on the war in Gaza. In the past he has also advocating defunding the police. Post-primary, he has backtracked on a number of previous positions, including that one, but he has failed to satisfy his critics, and he has made other controversial statements that have kept the political pot boiling. In my political lifetime I have often noted that retractions only make things worse, and that the public rarely changes its views after the first missteps.

So the failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse Mamdani is no surprise. Embracing him could be fatal for a moderate member of the party. Other than having won its primary, Mamdani isn’t a traditional Democrat, and there’s no reason to believe that he would act like one come next January. He will temper his past comments now, but he is rumored to be selecting lots of people who are pleasing to him and the socialist movement. In the past, I’ve gone against my party on some major occasions. If I were still in office, I wouldn’t endorse Mamdani, either.

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

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Protecting Long Island from invasive species

asilent invasion is making its way across Long Island. From beetles boring through forests to aggressive weeds choking native plants, invasive species pose an urgent and growing threat to the natural beauty, the economy and the very identity of our region.

As these pests encroach on farmland, damaged crops mean higher food prices and struggling farms. Infested woodlands mean fewer tourists and diminished property values. And the loss of treasured natural spaces — from forests and meadows to backyards and parks — erodes the very character of Long Island.

The recent detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Suffolk County, likely imported accidentally from Asia and bringing with it a tree-killing fungus, only increases the volume of our collective wake-up call. The question before us is simple: Will we act now to defend our communities, or will we watch as our landscapes steadily degrade and our land-based livelihoods slowly unravel?

Invasive species aren’t a new problem, but their spread has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. Increased global trade, climate change and urbanization have opened doors for pests and plants that don’t belong here, allowing them to thrive in places where native species have no natural defenses. The result is widespread ecological disruption.

In Nassau County, we already know the damage invaders can do. The spotted lanternfly, a deceptively attractive insect with mottled wings, feeds on more than

letters

70 species of plants. Its favorite targets include vineyards, orchards and hardwood forests — ecosystems that support industries that have helped Long Island grow. Left unchecked, lanternfly infestations can cripple agriculture and rob us of the fall foliage many tourists come here to see.

The plant kingdom has its own wellknown adversaries. Japanese knotweed, with its bamboo-like stalks and dense root systems, is nearly impossible to eradicate once it takes hold. It smothers native plants, leaving wildlife without food or shelter, and even undermines human infrastructure, pushing up through sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Its spread is a quiet but relentless reminder that invasive species are as much an economic challenge as an ecological one.

And then there’s the southern pine beetle — a small insect with an outsized appetite that can be found across the Island. This pest can wipe out acres of pine forest, reducing green woodlands to brown arboreal graveyards. The loss is not only aesthetic; forests are essential for carbon storage, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat.

Together, these threats underscore a sobering reality: Invasive species weaken biodiversity, strain local economies and diminish our quality of life. Each unchecked outbreak increases the costs borne by everyone from homeowners to landscapers to farmers, while also endangering industries like agriculture and tourism that are the backbone of Nassau and Suffolk’s economies.

A tale of three cities, and two socialist mayors — so far

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer warns in his Sept 18-24 Herald column, “The battle of egos in the Big Apple,” that “all of New York City and state will suffer” if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor in November. “Many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility” of Mamdani becoming the city’s first socialist leader, Kremer notes.

In terms of dynamism and attractions, New York has only a few peers among cities worldwide. London and Paris are two of them. So it could come as a surprise — or, one hopes, a reassurance — to Kremer and others fearful of a Mamdani victory that both London and Paris have been governed by socialists for the past nine and 11 years, respectively.

And voters in those European cities seem quite satisfied with the performance of their progressive mayors. London’s Sadiq Khan was elected to an unprecedented third term last year by an 11-point margin over a Conservative Party opponent. Paris’s Anne Hidalgo won a second six-year term in 2020 by 15 percentage points over a conservative rival.

Khan, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, is a member of a Brit-

The earlier an invasive species is detected, the greater the chance of stopping it before it becomes a living feature of the landscape. Funding for local monitoring programs isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Public education is equally critical. Residents are often the first line of defense against invasive species. With the right tools and training, they can help identify and report harmful insects and plants before they spread out of control. Imagine how much better off we’d be if every homeowner could recognize lanternflies and every gardener knew how to prevent knotweed from hitching a ride in soil or mulch.

State and local governments, environmental nonprofits, research institutions and industry leaders must work together to create a unified strategy. Protecting Long Island’s agriculture, landscaping and tourism sectors requires pooling resources, sharing knowledge and mobilizing communities. A fragmented, haphazard response will only give invasive species more opportunities to occupy new territory.

By investing in prevention, monitoring and education today, we have the power to preserve our island’s future. The rising tide of invasive species is controllable — but only if we act decisively. Long Islanders have always taken pride in protecting our shoreline, parks and communities. Now we must extend that vigilance to these less visible, but no less dangerous, invaders among us. Our environment, economy and way of life depend on it.

ish political organization roughly equivalent to Democratic Socialists of America, to which Mamdani belongs. Hidalgo, a Spanish-French politician, is a prominent figure in France’s Socialist Party.

Has violent crime run rampant in London and Paris under left-wing

leadership? The London police recorded a total of 110 murders in 2023. That’s 10 fewer than in 2015, the final year of Boris Johnson’s tenure as that city’s Conservative Party mayor.

Urban crime rates are difficult to measure in France because such sta-

opinions

I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed

iwent to a Herald reunion at Garden Social, in East Meadow, a few weeks ago. It’s been 20 years since I worked at the newspaper as an editor, and I got to see some faces I thought I might never see again.

The five years I spent as a journalist were some of the best years of my life. I met so many interesting people, and most of them were the reporters, editors and photographers I worked with.

It was great to see everyone. We talked about the old times and drank ourselves some beers. The conversation was light. What have you been up to? Where do you live now? How many kids do you have? That sort of thing.

I wish we’d spent some time talking about how drastically different the media, and indeed our world, is nowadays.

When we all worked together, we were dedicated to informing, educating

and, at times, entertaining our readership. Today it seems the media’s job is to do nothing but incite, prod and provoke.

John O’Connell, who was the executive editor of the Herald when I left in 2005, was at the reunion.

John’s a teddy bear of a guy — a great journalist, photographer and person. Our viewpoints didn’t always align when we worked together. John’s were mostly on the right, while mine leaned left. He supported the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003. I didn’t. There were spirited debates in our office. But those differences never cost us our mutual respect for each other, or our ultimate goal to report what was true. Today we live in nasty, divisive, misinformed times, and I hold the media, in its current incarnation, squarely responsible. There aren’t many places people can turn to for honest, objective news. The Herald, and other publications like it, are thankfully still there. But increasingly, people get their information from cable news talking heads who present opinions as facts. Even worse, people shape their realities on

LeTTers

tistics are kept primarily on a national rather than the local level. But according to a compilation used by the publication World Population Review, Paris was the 23rd safest city in the world in 2024. Safer than Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome.

Mamdani, meanwhile, has retracted his call for defunding the NYPD — a stance he took at the height of the Black Lives Matter agitation. He has pledged to make public safety a top priority of his mayoralty, along with making New York City more affordable for all of its residents.

Instead of freaking out over political labels, Kremer and other fearmongers should calm down and see how Mamdani actually governs.

Closer to home: I lived in Burlington, Vermont, when Bernie Sanders was mayor. A socialist who had held no previous elected office, Sanders made Vermont’s largest city a more equitable and prosperous place. Burlington’s business community came to regard him as an outstanding mayor.

KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

The fight against smoking isn’t over

To the Editor:

As partners in the New York State Tobacco Control Program, Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY and the

posts they see on Facebook and Instagram, or in videos on TikTok, with little to no regard for their validity. And it has eroded our society’s common sense and civility.

Too many people fell for the story about the litter box in the school bathroom.

A year or two ago, my daughter Adriana came home and informed me that Woodland Middle School had placed a litter box in a bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I knew it was utter nonsense, but I pressed my daughter for more information.

Have you seen the litter box? I asked. No, she replied. And who is this child who identifies as a cat? I don’t know, I think some sixthgrader, she said. Though she was sure it was true, I assured her it was likely just a rumor. I explained the danger of believing anything without evidence, and left it at that.

A few weeks later, my friend Tim exasperatedly texted me that his daughter had told him her school had placed a litter box in the bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I chuckled to myself, and replied that my daughter had told me the same thing, and that it

was hogwash. He swore it wasn’t.

Not long after that, my colleague Erin and I were grabbing lunch when she told me that a friend of hers who worked in security at a local school said they had put a litter box in the bathroom. She was apoplectic, and sure it was true. It was only after I told her of my two previous encounters with this legend that she accepted that it might be false.

Apparently, several politicians and media personalities perpetuated this hoax on posts and podcasts in 2022. It’s not that we didn’t have urban legends back in my Herald days; it’s just that the media didn’t spread them. What’s more, they didn’t incite such vitriol.

I wish I could turn the clock back to the early 2000s, when I used to see those familiar faces every morning in the Herald offices. I wish I could get rid of the talking heads, the social media posts and the viral videos that dominate the media landscape, but I can’t.

The best I can do is implore people to think critically, and not take anything they see and hear at face value. Chances are if you’re reading this, you already do. Encourage others to do so. Politely.

Nick Buglione, who lives in East Meadow, is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island work together to reduce the burden of commercial tobacco use and support a healthier, tobacco-free Long Island.

Since the inception of the state’s comprehensive Tobacco Control Program 25 years ago, cigarette smoking among adults in the state has dropped dramatically, from 23.2 percent in 2001 to 9.3 percent in 2023. Nassau and Suffolk counties have achieved two of the five lowest smoking rates in the state. There has also been a striking decrease in youth smoking since 2000, when 27.1 percent of high school youth reported cigarette use. The latest data show a 92 percent drop, to just 2.1 percent.

Nonetheless, the tobacco industry continues to harm New Yorkers. Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies have deliberately marketed menthol cigarettes to specific populations, including LGBTQ, Black and Hispanic communities, for decades. Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey highlight these disparities: Menthol cigarette use was highest among adults who identify as Black or African American (88 percent) and those who identify as Hispanic (70 percent).

The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise, especially among youth. Vaping exposes users to serious health risks such as heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks and long-term effects from toxic metals. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of adolescents, and nearly one in five high school students in our state report vaping. Add-

ing to the concern, social media have begun promoting pouches as a cheaper alternative to weight-loss drugs.

The closing of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health puts years of progress at risk. Without this support, states will have a harder time keeping prevention and quit-smoking programs strong. These programs have helped countless families in New York and around the country live healthier lives. The cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.

Here in New York, funding cuts have led to the layoff of more than a dozen key members of the state’s tobacco

control program. This could weaken our free State Quitline services, reduce support for the Health Systems program and limit several other vital tobacco-control initiatives.

It’s imperative that we continue to employ comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco product use and nicotine addiction. The decline in cigarette smoking is worth celebrating, but there is still more work to be done.

Long Island Heroes Celebration