Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 09-18-2025

HERALD Malverne/West HeMpstead

Also serving Lakeview

Alice Moreno/Herald

The Mothers of Malverne are a social club for moms of young children in the area to connect, learn and support one another through the early stages of motherhood. A volunteer board that plans activities and group events leads the organization.

By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com

The Mothers of Malverne was created 47 years ago, when two moms of preschoolers shared their feelings of isolation and need for support while raising young children. Eighteen mothers attended MOMs’ first event, and today the group has more than 50 members.

The organization hosted a welcome brunch for current and prospective group members at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s on Sunday. Treated to coffee, bagels and kids’ snacks, more than 100 attendees learned what MOMs is about and what it has planned for the coming year.

Today it serves as a cooperative support group and social network for mothers raising young children. MOMs takes part in local events and community service, hosts events for children up to age 5, and organizes Mom’s Night Out events as well.

“We want to bring the community closer by supportConTinued on pAge 12

Honoring the local lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks Bringing young moms together for 47 years

By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com

Somber memorial ceremonies were held in Malverne and West Hempstead on Thursday to honor neighbors who were lost on Sept. 11, 2001 — on the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

West Hempstead

As the sun began to set, the West Hempstead and Lakeview fire departments raised a large American flag on the corner of Nassau Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue. The flag hung in the background as the West Hempstead Community Sup -

port Association led dozens in the annual 9/11 Memorial Service, which began at 6:30 p.m. in Halls Pond Park.

“Today, 24 years ago, on a day similar to today, our nation suffered an attack that we promised to never forget,” the association’s president, Maureen Greenberg, said. “Each year, we gather to memorialize those lives lost. It is our civic duty to remind each other of these acts on our country so that we don’t have history repeat itself.”

In the Sept. 11 attacks, the West Hempstead community lost 13 neighbors: Scott Bart, Bruce Boehm, Jason Cefalu,

Kevin Colbert, Jeffery Dingle, Robert DeAngelis Jr., John Fanning, Winston Grant, Ralph Licciardi, Robert Linnane, Mark Schwartz, William Steckman and Victor Cantelmo III.

“This is a night to remember those we lost and renew that vow to never forget,” Assemblyman Ed Ra, whose district includes West Hempstead, said. “To remember those who went where they were needed and to remember all those who we have lost since.”

During the ceremony, members of Boy Scout Troop 240 recited the names of the community members lost on 9/11, as well as their occupation, lay-

ing down a candle and flower for each one, as Richard Sena, ex-chief of the Lakeview Fire Department, rang a memorial bell.

Michael Vogt and Stefan Fisher, the current chiefs of the West Hempstead and Lakeview fire departments, respectively, laid a wreath on the memorial before a moment of silence was

held. Singer Joe Mahoney closed out the ceremony with a performance of “American the Beautiful.”

Malverne

More than 150 people attended the annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at Malverne’s Reese Park at 8 p.m., honoring

ConTinued on pAge 16

Blakeman receives police endorsements

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, joined by law enforcement unions from across New York state, endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for re-election on Sept. 9.

Standing with supporters in Massapequa Park village, union leaders urged residents to re-elect the Republican incumbent in November, praising his public safety record and commitment to law enforcement.

“Many people say they ‘Back the Blue,’ but Bruce Blakeman doesn’t just say it — he acts upon it,” said Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau PBA, which represents 2,000 officers. “Bruce has done a great job balancing protecting police officers, recruitment and training, ensuring officers are well paid, while at the same time protecting taxpayers.”

Shevlin added that the union looks forward to another four years of working with Blakeman.

Blakeman has made public safety a central theme of his campaign. In 2024, U.S. News&World Report named Nassau County the safest community in the United States. The ranking considered crime and injury rates, along with public safety spending.

Carolyn James/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks at press conference after receiving the endorsement of all the major local police unions.

According to the report, Nassau spent $1,148 per capita on health and emergency services—nearly three times the national average of $440. The report also found that 1.39 percent of Nassau’s population works in public safety, compared to the national average of 0.8 percent.

“These numbers are not by accident,” Blakeman said. “They’re the result of a government management plan designed to protect our residents.”

He credited cooperation among multiple agencies — including Nassau and Suffolk County police, the NYPD, MTA police, state police and local depart -

ments — with maintaining regional safety.

Blakeman also highlighted his 2022 executive order declaring Nassau a nonsanctuary county, saying it was a step toward protecting public resources and ensuring community safety.

“We are not spending vital public resources on people who are not vetted, who overburden our schools, contribute to homelessness, and in many cases, engage in criminal activity,” he said.

“And we were the first county in the country to sign a cooperation agreement with ICE.”

Democrat Seth Koslow, a Nassau County legislator representing the 5th District, in the Nov. 4 general election, is challenging Blakeman. Early voting runs from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2.

“Bruce Blakeman doesn’t care about community safety — he cares about publicity stunts and whatever advances his political career,” Koslow said. He argued that Blakeman’s claims, along with those of Nassau PBA officials, that local law enforcement agencies are well trained and fully staffed are not true.

“Our law enforcement agencies are facing severe shortages, which Blakeman has failed to address,” Koslow said. For more information on the election, visit NassauCountyny.gov/566/ Board-of-Elections.

Wine tasting benefits Malverne Civic

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

The rosé and pinot grigio flowed at the Malverne Civic Association’s annual wine tasting fundraiser Friday evening.

In years past the event has been held at the Malverne Historic House, the American Legion Hall, and Crossroads Farm. This year, the Civic partnered with the Knights of Columbus hall in Lynbrook to accommodate a growing attendance.

“We have a great selection of wines,” Jennifer Prizzi, president of the Malverne Civic Association, said. “We try to do something different every year and have a different selection for our guests.”

The theme of the evening was “A Night Under the Stars,” with five tents set up for tasting in the Knights of Columbus backyard parking lot. Each tent served a different red and white wine sourced from Cappy’s Warehouse Wine & Spirits, and some tables also offered snacks.

Every attendee received a tasting cup to carry with them to each station. The band T-10 performed live music throughout the event.

“It’s a wine tasting,” Prizzi said. “So you get to sample all the wines and a little more than a sample as we go through the night.”

With the purchase of a $40 event ticket, attendees support both the Civic Association and the Knights.

“The money that we raise goes back into Malverne and the things that the Malverne Civic does for the community, such as the Groundhog Day, Lighting of Malverne, and other events,” Prizzi said.

“We were approached by the Malverne Civic,” Gino Van Haaren, president of the Lynbrook Knights, said. “They said they needed a place to have their event and we were more than welcome to host. It’s a great night.”

The Knights of Columbus served burgers and hot dogs off the barbecue, as well as chips and other treats. Malverne Civic Association tumblers and shirts were also for sale at the event.

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News brief

$398,000 stolen from Malverne woman

Michael Anderson, 35, of Yonkers, was arrested for grand larceny in Malverne on Sept. 9 according to the Nassau County Police.

According to the press release, in October 2024 an unknown man approached a 78-year-old woman at her Malverne home and claimed she needed a new roof. The woman agreed to have construction work done for an estimated $70,000.

Over the next couple months the man continued to request more and more money. The woman issued multiple checks totaling $398,000 and the work has not been completed.

On Tuesday, Anderson was placed

under arrest when he showed up to the Malverne residence to pick up a check for $75,000. According to police, this investigation is ongoing for the additional unknown man involved in this scam.

Anderson was charged with attempted grand larceny and was released on an appearance ticket before US Immigration Customs Enforcement Agents took him into custody.

Anyone who may have been a victim of the defendant, pictured above, is asked to contact detectives with the Fifth Squad at (516) 573-6553.

lang helps 10-year-old save mother

Malverne Police Sergeant Robert Lang received a citation at the Sept. 3 village meeting. While working the police desk one July evening, Lang answered a call on the 911 emergency phone from a 10-year-old girl who shared her mother was choking and couldn’t breathe. After dispatching officers to the scene, Lang talked the girl through performing the Heimlich maneuver, saving her moms life.

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/malverne or

JAYDEN MOYA

MALVERNE Senior SOCCER

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO tell Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys’ soccer team is coming off a winless 2024 campaign. To say the Rockin’ Mules have enjoyed an incredible start would be an understatement. Moya has been front and center of a club with four wins in its first five matches. He leads Nassau County in goals with 12 and has three or more games with at least a hat trick. He scored 5 times in wins over Valley Stream South and Clarke.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Sept. 19

Girls Soccer: Manhasset at Carey 3

Girls Soccer: Mepham at Calhoun 5

Girls Soccer: South Side at Oceanside 5

Football: Farmingdale at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: South Side at Division 6 p.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at East Meadow 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:45 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 7 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at C.S. Harbor 7 p.m.

Football: Lynbrook at Carle Place 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Football: Floral Park at Carey 11:00 a.m.

Boys Soccer: Lynbrook at Plainedge 12 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Elmont 12:30 p.m.

Football: V.S. North at Hewlett 1 p.m.

Football: Baldwin at Garden City 2 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at East Rockaway 2 p.m.

Football: Roslyn at Kennedy 2 p.m.

Football: West Hempstead at Malverne 2 p.m.

Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. South 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Mepham 3 p.m.

Football: Port Washington at Freeport 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.

SPORTS

West Hempstead preaches defense

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

If the West Hempstead boys’ soccer team wants to make some noise in Nassau Conference AB this fall and return to the playoffs, it will be because of its goalkeeping and defense.

After winning just two games last season, the Rams are already showing signs of progress. They stand at 1-2-1 through their first four contests, highlighted by a 2-0 win over Evergreen Charter on Sept. 9. The offense, which went scoreless in the first two matches, finally broke through in that victory before sputtering again in a 4-1 loss to Oyster Bay three days later.

Rams coach Chris Van Kovics has built his lineup from the back line forward, with senior sweeper Angel Guzman and sophomore goalkeeper and brother Bryan Guzman leading the way.

“Angel Guzman is playing sweeper,” Van Kovics said. “This is his fourth year as a senior. He and his brother seem to have a good connection back there. They’ve been very strong and kept us in the games that we’ve been in.”

He added that Angel Guzman has been key in handling pressure.

“Angel’s tough,” Van Kovics said. “He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s got good size. He literally uses his head a lot for all the crosses and goal kicks and free kicks and things like that.”

Bryan Guzman, meanwhile, has been fearless in goal.

“He’s an outstanding goalie,” Van Kovics said. “He’s done a really good job for us.

He’s got experience. He is fearless going after any ball in the air. If you put the ball in the air for crosses, you’re not getting anything. He punches it, catches it, and

he’s very good with the ball.”

Several others have emerged as steady contributors on the back end, including junior stopper Johan Grados, who Van Kovics said “has improved tremendously,” outside back Allan Bonilla, and fellow senior Edin Morales, “the toughest kid on the field” who shut down Oyster Bay star Jesel Cruz.

Van Kovics is hoping the continued strong defense and the play of midfielders Jayden Leslie, Josiah Verde, Jason Herrera, and Anthony Medina will continue to result in more offensive opportunities and goals.

“It’s a game of failure,” he said. “You only get so many chances. You’ve got to take advantage of them. What I would like to see is create a few more opportunities. But the ones that we’ve had, we were fortunate to score the goals we’ve had and had a couple of near misses. We’re going to try to create more over the next couple of games.”

Sophomore forward Cameron Leslie has already provided a lift after being promoted from junior varsity with goals in the Rams’ last two games. The Rams are also relying on versatile senior Fredi Castro, who can play and produce anywhere on the pitch.

Castro had an assist in the Evergreen win.

The Rams have a lengthy homestand to close the month, including games against winless Carle Place this Friday, Friends Academy on Sept. 25, Wheatley two days later, and another matchup with Evergreen on Sept. 30.

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Long Island Rail Road strike now on hold

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

A potential Long Island Rail Road strike looming on Sept. 18 has been paused after the five unions threatening to halt service announced they’re requesting intervention from the Presidential Emergency Board.

The move means negotiations will continue under federal mediation, postponing any immediate threat of a strike.

The development comes amid mounting tension between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the five remaining unions that have yet to reach a contract agreement with the railroad. These unions represent more than half of the LIRR’s workforce, and their earlier decision to pursue a strike authorization alarmed the MTA and the commuters who depend on the system every day.

More than 270,000 daily riders would be affected. While the latest action delays that possibility, the disputes over wages and rules remain unresolved.

The MTA quickly responded to the unions’ decision. “After months of radio silence, these outlier unions have finally admitted that they weren’t serious about negotiating,” said John J. McCarthy, the MTA chief of policy and external relations, in a statement. “They never had a plan to resolve this at the bargaining table.

“If these unions wanted to put riders

first, they would either settle or agree to binding arbitration,” he continued. “And if they don’t want to strike, they should say so, and finally show up to the negotiating table. This cynical delay serves no one.”

During a Sept. 11 news conference at Penn Station, MTA President Rob Free said negotiations had broken down after the National Mediation Board expedited the release of the unions.

That opened the door to a strike that could have begun at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 18.

The last LIRR strike occurred in 1994. “We have attempted to negotiate in good faith with these five remaining labor organizations,” Free said. “A fair offer has been made and accepted by the majority of all the other represented employees at the Long Island Rail Road.”

ARoad Bargaining Coalition, representing 55 percent of the unionized workforce.

According to the MTA, its current proposal calls for a 9.5 percent wage increase over three years. But unions are pushing for an additional 6.5 percent raise, without giving on work rules management says are ‘outdated.’

fter months of radio silence, these outlier unions have finally admitted they weren’t serious about negotiating.

JoHN J. McCAR tHy MTA chief of policy, external relations

The five unions still holding out include the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Transportation Communications Union. They form the Long Island Rail

“Locomotive engineers make over $49 an hour currently. The average salary is over $160,000 a year, with top earners above $300,000,” Free said. “That’s largely the result of antiquated work rules that allow multiple days’ pay for one day of work. And now they want a bigger raise while keeping those rules in place.”

The BRS’s 809 members voted to authorize a strike as talks stalled. About 600 BLET workers also approved a work stoppage.

“[The] Long Island Rail Road has not negotiated in good faith and hasn’t been serious from the onset of bargaining,” said BRS Vice President Tim Tarrant in a Sept. 11 statement. “[The] LIRR’s ontime performance has never been better and it’s time for them to recognize their hard-working men and women by offer-

ing a fair contract that keeps up with the cost of living in New York.”

BRS General Chairman Mike Sullivan echoed the frustration.“Our members will not stand for a contract that results in a loss of real wages, and we are prepared to use all means available to achieve a fair contract,” he said.

While the Taylor Law prohibits public employees in New York from striking, LIRR workers are covered under the federal Railway Labor Act, which allows for strikes under certain conditions, though it provides a process for federal mediation, such as the Presidential request now underway.

The MTA has repeatedly stressed its desire to resolve the dispute without disruption and was preparing contingency plans for a walkout. The plan included limited shuttle bus service from three LIRR stations—Bellmore, Hicksville, and Ronkonkoma—running every 10 minutes during peak hours to subway connections in Queens. Riders were encouraged to use Nassau buses for connections to Jamaica and Flushing.

With the gap between the MTA’s offer and the unions’ demands unresolved, the dispute is far from settled. The intervention may provide some breathing room, but the risk of a future work stoppage remains unless both sides can settle their differences.

Tree lighting recognizes Pediatric Cancer

BY ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & MADISON GUSLER

Of The Herald

Malverne lit up in gold for pediatric cancer awareness last Monday, kicking off Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

Each year in Malverne and surrounding communities, the Mary Ruchalski Foundation lights a tree with gold lights, and wraps a gold ribbon around it to honor the lives of those who have been affected by pediatric cancer, and to emphasize the importance of finding a cure.

The Mary Ruchalski Foundation is a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research into pediatric cancer.

“I get to see Mary’s tree every day from my office,” Sullivan said. He is proud that the Village of Malverne was among the first outside of Rockville Centre to help Mary Ruchalski Foundation spread awareness of their cause.

Mary Ruchalski lost her life to rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer, in 2018, just two days shy of her 13th birthday. Her mother, Carol Ruchalski, created the foundation in her honor, believing she had a duty to preserve Mary’s legacy.

Her daughter was an exceptional athlete, excelling in lacrosse, soccer and swimming. She was also an outstanding student at St. Agnes Cathedral School, and took part in Math Olympiad competition. Despite her challenges, she was a bright-spirited girl who never let her diagnosis get her down.

Carol Ruchalski spoke about the challenges facing pediatric cancer care. She noted that roughly one in five children will not survive their diagnosis, and that only six drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for pediatric

Residents and officials of the Village of Malverne came together on Sept. 8 to light the golden tree, an annual ceremony honoring kids with pediatric cancer.

cancer in the past 40 years.

“Most pediatric cancer patients are treated with drugs developed in the 1950s through the 1980s, and are not tailored for children’s unique biology,” Ruchalski said.

She also offered an update on the foundation’s fundraising achievements: It has contributed almost $1 million to research grants, donated $200,000 to families affected by pediatric cancer, and is a proud sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, sponsoring quarterly meals in Mary’s honor.

“And our proudest achievement is for our oldest daughter, Ashley, who has been appointed to the board of directors of the Children’s Cancer Therapy Devel-

opment Institute under Charles Keller,” Ruchalski said, referring to the Scientific and Executive Director.

“Ashley will have a direct effect on the furthering research for Mary’s cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Now, if that is not a sign from Mary, I don’t know what is.”

“You have taken tragedy and turned it into so much more,” State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said to Ruchalski. “Mary is so proud of you. You have done such amazing things.”

Village residents clapped and cheered as the tree was lit for the season.

To learn more about the foundation, visit TheMaryRuchalskiFoundation.org.

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OLL Parish Bazaar brings fun and games

Despite the rain, Malverne residents came out the weekend of Sept. 5 – 7 to support the annual Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Bazaar. With carnival rides, games, sweet treats, and a beer tent, the Bazaar offered endless fun for attendees of all ages.

The Bazaar provides the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish an opportunity to connect with the OLL school community, as well as all residents of Malverne. The celebration is heightened as the church is celebrating its 100th year in the community and the school recognizes its 75th year.

“This is a fundraiser,” Elizabeth Krull, Bazaar chair and manager of Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating, said. “So the goal is to raise funds supporting infrastructure projects for the school and the parish.”

In her second year as chair, Krull has expanded the bazaar, increased community participation, and scheduled the event for earlier in the fall with the hope of more ideal weather.

“Between raffle baskets and a whole new sleeve of volunteers, we not only demonstrated the strong community, but the event felt like community,” Krull said.

She also received donations and sponsorships for the event, including three craft breweries that provided beer for the beer tent.

“Our Lady of Lourdes Annual Parish Bazaar was a wonderful success,” Jennifer Prizzi, OLL’s business manager, told the Herald. “The support from our community means so much and helps us continue to do the good work of our parish.”

–Madison Gusler

First L.I. Heroes breakfast set for Oct. 22

Hosted by American Red Cross on Long Island at Farmingdale’s Heritage Club at Bethpage

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

A celebration of Long Island heroes is back — with a twist. On Oct. 22, the annual event hosted by the American Red Cross on Long Island will take place in the morning: The inaugural two-hour breakfast will be held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, in Farmingdale, at 8 a.m.

And after years of having three or so honorees, the Red Cross will honor six heroes in categories including Community Impact Hero, First Responder Hero, Global Citizenship Hero, Disaster Hero and Military Hero. “This was just brought to our attention by our wonderful board and volunteers saying, ‘There are a lot more people that deserve some recognition,’” the organization’s CEO, Jose Dominguez, said.

Luv Michael is the Community Impact Hero honoree this year. Founded in 2015, Luv Michael is a nonprofit created by Michael Kessaris and his parents, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris and Dr. Lisa Liberatore, which is dedicated to producing meaningful work and independent living opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.

This year’s First Responder Heroes are Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling. These graduates of the

Nassau County Police Academy demonstrated exceptional bravery on Jan. 5, when they responded to an off-duty crash involving a fellow officer, and swiftly provided lifesaving care while awaiting EMS.

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize is the Global Citizenship Hero being honored. The president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the founding chair of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Iroku-Malize dedicated her career

to expanding accessibility to family medicine and shaping a more inclusive future for health care.

The Disaster Hero of the year is Jennifer Keane. When a referee collapsed mid-game, Keane quickly prepared an automated external defibrillator and made a lifesaving intervention. As an athletic director and a certified athletic trainer, she had the ability to stay in control under pressure.

Mel Cohen is this year’s Military Hero honoree. A U.S. Air Force veteran

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and a retired Suffolk County police officer, Cohen has spent his life serving the community in honor of his brother Gerald, who died in Vietnam. He supports veterans across New York state, as well as Gold Star families, while staying active in various organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America and Wreaths Across America.

Along with the six honorees, two teens will be honored as Youth Heroes. Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein founded the HERO Project, a peersupport group for grieving students, after both experienced personal losses. The group allows middle and high school students to experience and share their grief in a safe space.

Active on Long Island for over 100 years, the American Red Cross on Long Island continues to serve the area and recognize its local heroes. “The mission of the Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering in so many different categories,” Dominguez said. “It is possible through the generosity of our donors and the time of our volunteers.”

All proceeds raised during the fundraiser will allow the Red Cross to continue its mission of helping those affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires and other crises. For more information on the organization and on attending the event, visit RedCross.org/LIHeroes.

MOMs welcome local community with brunch

ing moms, becoming friends and introducing our children to each other,” Monica Theodoropoulus, the group’s president, said. “We’re just here to support each other.”

While the organization was created in Malverne, members are welcome from nearby communities as well. “We feel that living close by, we’re able to do more community events,” Theodoropoulus said. “Help local businesses, have our events at restaurants, cafes, and we really get to know each other around the town.”

The brunch featured coloring, bounce houses and other opportunities for children to play, while parents played “Find a Mom who …” bingo, in which they were encouraged to mingle as they filled out bingo cards by finding mothers who have twins, speak another language at home, or grew up in the village.

“I joined just as a way to get to know and meet people,” Christine Lawton, the group’s treasurer and a five-year member, said. “I’ve made a lot of great connections; I’ve had people offer to help us with things. We’ve learned about the schools, teachers and all different things that have been invaluable to me.”

Lawton, whose home in Lynbrook is within the Malverne school district, said that MOMs has helped her understand the local schools. “It’s just a great community resource, especially for people that aren’t from Malverne,” she said. “I grew up close by, in Valley Stream, but this has helped me learn more about the area.”

“I think that moms definitely need a community, a support system,” Christina Leto, Moms’ social media chair, said. “Parenting is in a new era, and I think meeting other kids and moms takes the hard part out.”

“It’s important to build your village,”

Leto said. “And we give everyone the opportunity to get together and get involved.”

Jeannine Kuzniewski, a 33-year Malverne resident and a former MOMs member, came to the brunch with her daughter, Kayla Kuzniewski, who is a new mom herself.

“When my daughters were young, I was new to the neighborhood, and it was a way to meet moms,” Jeannine said. “I got to know the mothers in my neighborhood, and eventually that led to shared babysitting, driving to school and all the things you hope to develop in friendships.”

The brunch was the first event for Kayla and her daughter, Amelia. Kayla said she was excited about “the idea of meeting other moms whose kids are around the same age before I can meet them through (Amelia’s) activities, before she starts soccer, dance, school or whatever it is. Getting to know other people who are going through the same types of things as us at the same time, and building relationships through that.”

Jeannine Kuzniewski learned about MOMs in the 1990s from a neighbor, and her daughter learned about the organization on social media. Jeannine said she appreciated that MOMs events now take place in community spaces, because she recalled meetings being held at people’s homes, which could be intimidating. She was also glad to see that dads were involved, as MOMs hosts family events as well.

“It was just so nice to meet other moms in this town,” Theodoropoulus said. “When I came to the welcome brunch three or four years ago, I was able to connect with people I knew from growing up here. I’ve met so many mom friends, we have so much in common going through motherhood, raising our little kids and being local to Malverne.”

Car seat checks with Town of Hempstead

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Car seats are among the most important safety devices for young children, but according to national data, more than half are not installed correctly. Even small mistakes — a loose harness, a wrong angle, or outdated equipment — can dramatically reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash. To address this risk, the Town of Hempstead is once again hosting its Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program, offering families free appointments with certified technicians throughout September and October.

The program, run by the town’s Department of Public Safety, gives parents and guardians an opportunity to have their car seats thoroughly checked by professionals trained through Safe Kids Worldwide. During each 30-minute inspection, technicians review the installation, check for recalls or defects, and confirm that the seat is appropriate for a child’s age, weight, and height. Parents must provide that information, along with the car seat’s model, to ensure technicians can give the most accurate guidance.

Officials emphasize that while car seats are legally required under New York State law for children under 8, compliance alone doesn’t always guarantee safety. Inspections aim to bridge

The Town of Hempstead’s Child

that gap by empowering families with knowledge and peace of mind.

“Car seats save lives, but only when used correctly,” said Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby. “By showing parents the proper installation methods, we are empowering them to protect their children every time they travel.”

The program is also designed to be accessible. By bringing events directly into neighborhoods across America’s largest township, Hempstead makes it easier for parents to find a convenient

location without added cost. Councilman Tom Muscarella noted that accessibility is essential, saying the town is “making it easy and convenient for families to get expert guidance without any added cost.”

In past years, many parents who attended inspections discovered problems they hadn’t noticed on their own. Sometimes it was as simple as a loose strap, while in other cases, technicians identified seats that had expired or been recalled by the manufacturer. Each ses-

sion provides one-on-one education, giving caregivers hands-on experience so they can reinstall the seat correctly on their own in the future.

The Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program will run from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29, with appointments available between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Inspections are scheduled for Sept. 17 at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford; Sept. 20 at Shell Creek Park in Island Park; Sept. 21 at Rock Hall in Lawrence; Sept. 24 at Echo Park in West Hempstead; Oct. 1 at the Merrick Road Golf Course parking lot in Merrick; Oct. 4 at Coes Neck Park in Baldwin; Oct. 8 at Oceanside Park in Oceanside; Oct. 15 at Rath Park in Franklin Square; Oct. 22 at Uniondale Park in Uniondale; Oct. 26 at Forest City Community Park in Wantagh; and Oct. 29 at Maclaren Stadium in Levittown.

Appointments are required and will be scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis. Families can call the Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900 ext. 7709, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit hempsteadny.gov/218/child-carseat-safety-program

“Even a small mistake in car seat installation can have serious consequences,” said Councilman Chris Schneider. “Having certified technicians walk parents through the process ensures we’re reducing risks and protecting lives.”

SHOW US YOUR GAME DAY!

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!

Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.

The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

News brief

Ryder Cup Youth Day is Sept. 25

The PGA of America will host Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup on Sept. 25, at Bethpage Black, furthering its commitment to helping the game grow through PGA Jr. League and local youth initiatives.

PGA Jr. League players from the Metropolitan PGA Section and local high school students are invited to attend free of charge with a ticketed adult. Youth Day provides access to Ryder Cup practice rounds and the decisive Junior Ryder Cup singles matches, featuring the top 24 junior golfers from the U.S. and Europe.

The Junior Ryder Cup, established in 1997, has launched the careers of some of golf’s biggest stars, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang and Rory McIlroy.

A select group of participants will also take part in Beyond the Green, a career exploration program led by the PGA of America REACH Foundation. The event will feature New York-based sports organizations and brands, with youth representatives from groups such as First Tee of Metropolitan New York, The Bridge Golf Foundation and 100 Black Men of New York. Youth Day attendees will also be invited to the Ryder Cup opening ceremony that evening.

As part of the PGA’s mission to

volunteers

their uniforms last month.

increase inclusion and participation, juniors ages 15 and under receive free admission on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Ryder Cup week with a ticketed adult (limit two juniors per adult). Tickets for juniors are available only at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of play.

Additionally, PGA Jr. League Day at Ryder Cup Live will take place on Sept. 27, at Rockefeller Center. Players wearing their PGA Jr. League jerseys will enjoy a watch party, simulator competition, activities, prizes and raffles. For more, go to Bit.ly/3VaI8EN.

For more information, visit RyderCup.com.

SEPTEMBER 19TH

during the West Hempstead ceremony, 13 candles and flowers were placed on a memorial site for the 13 residents who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Memorials pay tribute to neighbors lost on 9/11

Continued from page 1

the lives of Malverne residents Scott Bart, Jacqueline Donovan, James Haran and Diane Urban, who died in the attacks.

“In times of darkness, we will be sources of light,” the Rev. James Stachacz, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, said during the prayer of remembrance. “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

With one flame, attendees, with the help of their neighbors, lit candles, provided by the Malverne Civic Association, bringing light to a community that has persevered through dark times.

“Let’s thank our first responders,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said.

“Let’s thank the families that have come here year after year and endured, and handed down these experiences to other generations. Let’s thank our men and women in our armed services who con-

tinue to fight this fight for us, and let’s thank one another as a community.”

As violinist Greg Gutman played “Amazing Grace,” Port Authority Police Officer Ernest Bohringer, New York Police Sgt. Anthony Buonomo, FDNY Battalion Chief Neil Cronin, and U.S. Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Michael Ernst placed a wreath at the memorial site.

At the end of the ceremony, family members of fallen victims each placed a white rose at the monument to remember their children, siblings, aunts and uncles. The roses were paid for with a donation from Peggy and Daniel Urick of Woodmen Life Chapter 467. Woodmen Life is a national non-profit fraternal society that strengthens communities and promotes patriotism.

To end the evening, village residents joined Evelyn Brown in singing “God Bless America.”

STEPPING OUT

‘Love’ is all around us

Photos from the streets on view at Hofstra Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

Hofstra University Museum of Art opens its gallery to “Love Is The Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz,” an inspiring exhibition honoring the decades-long creative output of the renowned street photographer. With his keen eye, Shabazz’s powerful images reflect pop culture, fashion and especially hip-hop, spanning the 1980s through today. The exhibit is on view in the Emily Lowe Gallery though Dec. 16.

Shabazzz’s striking black-and-white and color photography radiates joy and human connection, offering a deep sense of empathy and cultural pride. Alongside his photographs, visitors can also explore his personal collection of cameras, artwork and memorabilia.

“Jamel Shabazz is history, and it is a real gift that we are able to share this with our community,” Museum Director Sasha Giordano says.

As Giordano puts it, so thoroughly articulated in her forward in the exhibition catalogue: “Community is the heart of a museum.”

The exhibit was conceived with this spirit and curated by “Team Love,” a collective partnership composed of Shabazz; Robert Dupreme Eatman; Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway School in Uniondale, Erik Sumner, art educator at Northern Parkway School; and the Hofstra University Museum of Art. Over two years, slowly and carefully, through meeting after meeting, the exhibition took shape from concept to fruition.

With Team Love’s valuable insights, “Love Is The Message”honors 50 years of Jamel Shabazz’s artistic achievement and is his first solo exhibition on Long Island — a fitting location as he is a longtime resident of Hempstead.

“Love Is the Message” explores how Shabazz’s work occupies a vital space at the intersection of art, activism and cultural storytelling. Deeply influenced by trailblazers like Gordon Parks, Shabazz embraces the camera not just as a creative tool, but as a means of witnessing everyday life within Black and Brown communities. Shabazz centers dignity, resilience, and beauty in his portraits by capturing not only how his subjects look, but how they live and love. His lens is one of empathy, inviting viewers not simply to observe but to feel and to witness the quiet strength of a

father holding his child, the joy in a group of friends dressed for a block party, or the pride in a young person striking a confident pose. In this way, Shabazz’s work does more than document; it cultivates understanding, mends division and illuminates the shared humanity that connects us all.

“Jamel wanted the team to put fourth an exhibition that showed love of community, friends, family and music,” Giordano explains.

As for Shabazz, he considers this retrospective a significant honor.

“When I look at the current situation of the country and the world, this exhibition is one of the most important shows of my life because we need love in the world right now,” he says. “I’m sharing my work to help inspire the next generation by using this universal global language of photography to create conversation.”

• Now through Dec. 16

• Programs require advance registration; call (516) 463-5672 to register

• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead

Shabazz commutes to his day job daily but returns to his Hempstead studio, where he immerses himself in reflection and creativity.

“The Town of Hempstead offers me a space where I can get into deep thought and develop my ideas,” he says.

Among the many photographs and artifacts on view, Shabazz shares that a photograph of his mother holds especially deep meaning for him. Entitled “‘The Giver of Life,’ it’s the work of which he is most proud.

“I went out to Jones Beach with my mother and I caught an incredible photograph of her with bread in her hand as the seagull approaches her. She’s never experienced anything like that before.”

Beyond that moment, his eye offers his special perspective on the world around us.

“My objective was to contribute to the preservation of culture for this generation. It is my hope that the younger generations can look at my work and get a glimpse of the style and culture of back in the day. I want young people to understand the importance of love and see the power of photography,” he adds.

As always, related programming enhances the viewing experience. Upcoming on Oct. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., join Giordano for an exhibition tour. She’ll discuss the community collaboration that shaped the exhibit, offering insight into the artist’s creative process and the legacy of love reflected in the work.

Meet the man behind the camera at “Love Is the Message: A Conversation with Jamel Shabazz,” on Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. He’ll talk about his creative process, personal influence and the impact of his work documenting everyday life in Black and urban communities. It’s followed by an audience Q&A session.

The events schedule also includes “Feel the Love – Experience the Photography of Jamel Shabazz with a Heart Meditation,” on Nov. 6. Denise Peterson, of Denise Peterson Yoga, brings mindfulness and meditation techniques to the art experience.

NYC Ska Orchestra

The NYC Ska Orchestra blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpeter-vocalist Kevin Batchelor, deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. This 20-piece big band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, band members have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz.

Friday, Sept 26. 8 p.m. $42, $37 members. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Soulful notes with Vincent Ingala

Contemporary jazz saxophonist/ multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and his electrifying band bring their funky grooves to the Madison Theatre. Declared by Jazziz Magazine as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this past decade,” Ingala remains an unstoppable, creative force in urban contemporary jazz. His career includes10 #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 singles, with more to come from his latest release and eighth album, “Escape With Me.” Ingala’s unique dual ability to electrify fans while connecting emotionally with them has made him one of the genre’s most popular talents on the scene today. He draws the audience in; becoming part of an exciting musical experience that bridges the gap between the music of his father’s R&B, funk and soul collection ( which he was heavily immersed in) and Ingala’s well executed horn lines.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

SEPT 18

On Exhibit

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

SEPT

Garage sale permits

Don’t miss out on obtaining a permit to participate in the village-wide garage sale. Visit Village Hall to obtain a permit for $10.

• Where: 99 Church St., Malverne

• Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: malvernevillage.org

Parti-gras at the park

Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Fall Festival

OCT

4

‘…We will rock you’

Get ready to sing along — Queen-mania is back on Long Island. Almost Queen, the acclaimed tribute band, is set to return to the Paramount stage, bringing with them the soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and theatrical flair that defined one of rock’s most legendary groups. Almost Queen isn’t just another cover band. Their performances are carefully crafted to honor the spirit of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor while delivering a concert experience that feels fresh and alive. The lineup features Joseph Russo as the dynamic and charismatic Mercury, Steve Leonard as guitar virtuoso May, Randy Gregg as bassist Deacon, and John Cappadona as drummer Taylor. Together, they recreate Queen’s iconic sound with impeccable four-part harmonies, precise musical interludes, and the kind of stage energy that pulls audiences to their feet. Attention to detail sets the band apart. From authentic costumes to faithful renditions of classic hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” the band captures both the power and the playfulness of Queen’s original shows. Their devotion to accuracy — paired with undeniable chemistry on stage — has earned them a loyal following that grows with every tour. $108.75, $98.25, $76.25, $64.75, $54.25, $48.75.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

• Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: malvernevillage.org

Car Wash

Our Lady of Lourdes Class of 2026 host a car wash fundraiser. $15 cars and $20 SUV, trucks and vans. With baked goods available for purchase.

• Where: 65 Wright Ave., Malverne

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

OCT

1

Malverne Trustee Meeting

Malverne Board of Trustees holds their monthly meeting at Village Hall.

• Where: 99 Church St., Malverne

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

Fall Festival

OCT

4

Crossroads Farm hosts their Fall Festival Series. With food trucks, entertainment kids activities, farmers market, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and more.

• Where: 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne

• Time: Noon-5 p.m.; also Oct. 5, Oct. 11-12, Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-26

The Malverne Chamber of Commerce presents the Village’s Fall Festival and Classic Car Show. There will be live music, vendors, rides, games and more to enjoy!

• Where: Church St., Malverne

• Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. SEPT 20

Farm to Table Benefit

Enjoy a taste of Long Island at Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s Farm to Table Benefit. $100 ticket includes

a cocktail hour with an open bar, hor d’oeuvres and entertainment. $250 ticket includes cocktail hour, plus hayride to Harvest House for an exclusive dinner experience. All proceeds go to restoring Crossroads’ historic barn.

• Where: 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne

• Time: 4-7 p.m.; 7:30-9:30 p.m. dinner

• Contact: xroadsfarmliny.com

Gatsby’s Swingin’ Scavenger

Hunt

Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

19 Seasonal Sprouts Bring the family to Old Westbury Gardens for fun, fresh air and fall SEPT

beauty. Ages 4-10 can enjoy an educational outdoor tour through the vibrant autumn gardens, filled with colorful leaves, exploration, and nature-themed activities. This guided experience is designed just for kids, sparking curiosity about the changing seasons while encouraging hands-on discovery in the great outdoors. Registration required. $18, $10 children.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon

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

SEPT

25

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to handson 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 use blocks to stamp patterns for geometric art. $4 with museum admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

On stage

Adelphi University’s Department of Theater presents Samuel D. Hunter’s “The Harvest.” The a gripping, emotionally nuanced exploration of faith, family, and identity asks us to open our hearts and minds to the mystery of what it is to be human.

Five young Christian evangelicals in a church basement in Idaho Falls are preparing themselves for a mission to the Middle East.

One of them, Josh, is reeling after the death of his father, and has bought a one-way ticket with no plans to return. But when his estranged sister returns to Idaho Falls to stop him, the choice to leave becomes more complicated.

• Where: Adelphi University Black Box Theatre, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 6:30 p.m.; through Sept. 28, times vary

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

SEPT

27

Village Garage Sale

Malverne’s villagewide garage sale returns. A list of participating homes will be available on the village website, as well as a map.

• Where: Throughout the village

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

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

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• 12 Gala tickets, VIP reception

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September 18,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE HOME EQUITY

ASSET TRUST 2006-2 HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ERSOY R. ALI, HIKMET ALI, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 10, 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 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 195 Ivy Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at West Hempstead, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section: 35, Block: 357, Lots: 72,73,&74. Approximate amount of judgment $739,489.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604710/2019.

Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-000310 87091 155644

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., -againstJUANA E. BONILLA, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 19, 2023, wherein MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., is the Plaintiff and JUANA E. BONILLA, 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

9, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 234 SYCAMORE STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; tax map identification 35-377-40 & 41. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, 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.: 601557/2018.

Janine T. Lynam, 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. 155666

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGEIT SECURITIES CORP. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGEPASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstCHERYL LOVELACE, 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 March 27, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGEIT SECURITIES CORP. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and CHERYL LOVELACE, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public 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 447 CHAMPLAIN AVENUE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; tax map identification 35-459-660-662; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK .

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617657/2022. Harold F. Damm, 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. 155664

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS IN TAX LIEN FORECLOSURESUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - ARLINGTON AVE. REALTY GROUP LLC, Plaintiff, JANICE PATRICK, AS LIMITED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MIRIAM MCCRAY, et. al., Defendants. Index No. 611979/23. To the above named Defendants -YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the property, with respect to which a judgment is sought, is

situated. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to the Order of the Hon. Eileen C. DalySapraicone, J.S.C., dated August 20, 2025. The object of this action is to quiet title and declare Plaintiff the record holder and owner of a real property located at School District 12 Section 38 Block 106 Lot 274 Group Lots 274-275 and also known as 531 Jefferson Avenue, West Hempstead, New York, and bar the defendants from all claims and interests in the property.

Dated: September 5, 2025

BRONSTER, LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff Arlington Ave. Realty Group LLC By: Leonid Krechmer, Esq.

156 West 56th Street, Suite 703 New York, NY 10019 (212) 558-9300 155662

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 30th day of September, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following location: OCEANSIDE

STUART PLACE (TH 433/25) North SideSection 202-13

NO PARKING 8 AM TO 4 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 218 feet east of the east curbline of South Long Beach Road, east for a distance of 56 feet.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

CHESTNUT STREET (TH 430/25) North Side Section 202-20NO PARKING 6 AM TO 10 AM - starting at a point 146 feet west of the west curbline of Woodfield Road, west for a distance of

New hope in the New Year GUEST COLUMN

Last year, at the Rosh Hashanah evening service, I shared a story which appeared in a 1961 book of Yiddish holiday stories, by the children’s author Levin Kipnis, called “A Sweet New Year.” The story begins: “Way high up and far away, where heaven touches earth, New Year and Bygone Year met in passing. Bygone Year–old and weak, face wrinkled and clothing tattered, hunched over–made her way down the mountain. New Year–young and handsome, dressed in purples and blues, crowned in gold, slender and proud, climbed up the mountain. Four angels, one in each direction, escorted him.

New Year asks Bygone Year, ‘Shalom, my older sister! Why are you groaning and sighing?’ Bygone Year answered, ‘I moan over yidishe tsuris, the sorrows that Jews endure the world over.’

should be drafted to serve in the IDF in one capacity or another.

It’s almost two years since Hamas attacked Israel on one of our most joyous holidays, and despite attempts at peace and ceasefire, it doesn’t seem to be ending soon. So as my friend Sylvia used to say, Vos ken a yidn ton? What can a Jew do?

A lot, it turns out. We can hope and pray. We can gather together and rejoice on our festivals. This won’t end the war, this won’t end hunger in our country or fix our problems. We’ve long known thoughts and prayers don’t keep guns and assault weapons out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them, and they don’t bring people back to life. Thoughts and prayers need to lead to action, and it’s up to us to take action when able.

At that moment, the two parted. New Year looked around at beautiful vineyards, fragrant orchards and fields of vibrant wildflowers with buzzing bees, each calling to him to come and visit, and to be joyful. New Year asked, ‘But how can I be happy when it’s hard and bitter for Jews the world over?’”

Good question. As I write this, antisemitism is at an all-time high in the U.S. and other countries. Anti-Israel sentiment and actions have invaded so many areas of our lives, including the arts, publishing and my beloved knitting world. The Jewish community itself, here and in Israel, is divided over how the Israeli government is conducting itself Gaza, the fate of the hostages still being held; and questions about who

The old year of 5785 is ending, exhausted from carrying her burden, her heart heavy with her memories. She “lived” through all of it. New year, 5786, is full of potential. In the story, each of the four angels carries gifts from the vineyard, the orchard, the flowers and the bees, and distributes them to families all over to enjoy welcoming the new year. Challah and apples are dipped in honey as they wish shana tova u-m’ tooka, a happy and sweet new year! As we look ahead to the new year of 5786, may we be blessed to find sweetness and joy in the midst of difficulty and hardship. I wish you and your loved ones a year of life and health, happiness and prosperity, peace and blessing, and the gift of hope and potential.

Susan Elkodsi is the Rabbi of the Malverne Jewish Center.

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22 feet. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: September 16, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

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KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 155738

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT SECURITY BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT In a Loan Security Agreement dated March 16, 2007 executed by YONETTE

GOODRIDGE, debtor to SELENE FINANCE, LP, secured party via assignment, will cause a public sale of the security consisting of 265 shares of stock plus Parking Space and/or Garage, if applicable, of HEMPSTEAD GARDENS OWNERS CORP. all right title and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and debtor for Unit N1A in the building known as 125 HEMPSTEAD GARDENS DRIVE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552 together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment on October 10, 2025 at 9:30AM on the North

Facing Front Steps of the Nassau County Court House, 262 Old Country Rd. Mineola, NY 11501, in satisfaction of an indebtedness. Apartment is sold “AS IS” AND POSSESSION TO BE OBTAINED BY THE PURCHASER. Said sale is subject to: payment of all sums due, if any, to HEMPSTEAD GARDENS OWNERS CORP. and the consent if necessary, of said corporation; any existing tenancy; payment of all expenses and fees of the secured party with respect thereto; terms of sale and auctioneers fees; flip tax; State, City and County transfer tax. The secured party reserves the right to

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TA reader offers a correction on P.T. boats

A reader from Bellmore, Steven Vella, wrote to question my recent column in which I addressed bomb shelters and the related specific construction of P.T. boats (“In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation,” July 24-30).

I stated that gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch, and that swimming pools and “P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, the ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact.” P.T. stands for patrol torpedo, and P.T. boats were meant to be lighter, swifter craft for short-range reconnaissance and rapid deployment of torpedoes to attack enemy ships. Vella, a World War II buff, pointed out that he was only aware, through a relative who worked for the Elco Boat Company, in Bayonne, New Jersey — a major builder of P.T. boats for the U.S. Navy — that “the keel is a 70-foot-long piece of 6 x 6 Alaskan spruce. The stem is of American oak. The frames (ribs) are of African mahogany. Sides and bottom of the hull are double-planked mahogany with canvas laid in marine glue in between the diagonally spaced planking.” I misstated that the steel-rod-reinforced construction was used for P.T. boats, when it was actually used for slower-moving landing craft, such as the type used at the beach landing at Normandy, and for barges shipping supplies. The slower-moving craft needed to be heavily reinforced because they were, presumably, easier targets.

Unlike today, where we can instantly find information on almost any topic using our cellphones, I sat in my Methods and Materials classes in architecture school, 50 years ago, and listened to professors explain the physical and chemical properties as well as the applied uses of materials in construction, without the ability to research or fact-check. I never forgot the story related to us about the strength of the concrete, the application to Navy vessels and the story of torpedoes being trapped without exploding, in the sides of some boat hulls. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to confirm the type of concrete used, or that the boats in which the cement and steel reinforcement were applied weren’t P.T. boats, back then.

The concrete type was still steel-reinforced, but it was fero-cement, and not gunite. Gunite is cement that is sprayed using a high-pressure gun, often referred to as a cannon, and the mix is semi-dry cement and sand. The actual concrete hulls that the Navy engineers came up with were made of handapplied cement over steel reinforcing rods. Concrete and steel are used together in many different configurations, because concrete is extraordinarily strong in compression and highly resistant to crushing, and steel is highly tensile or flexible. When applied together, the combination provides great resistance to impacts, such as bombs. So thank you, Steven, for your noteworthy question.

© 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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On the stump and on the field, the pressure builds

We’re just past the midway point of September, the month that traditionally signifies key flashpoints in two very competitive American pastimes: Major League Baseball and American politics.

Before MLB initiated division play and wild cards, there were just two leagues, the National and American, and the team with the best record in each league at the close of the regular season, at the end of September, made it to the World Series. That made the league pennant races do-or-die.

Sudden death. No “postseason” or second chances.

There were years in which the pennant race had as much drama and tension as the World Series. In 1951, for instance, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants finished the regular season in a dead heat, necessitating a three-game playoff, which the Giants won on Bobby Thompson’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 — the fabled “shot heard

Baround the world.” That was one of the most famous moments in baseball history, and the fact that the Giants went on to lose the World Series to the Yankees is barely a footnote.

Now there six divisions, and 12 teams qualify for the postseason, taking away the suddendeath aspect. The flip side of the coin is that with more teams in the hunt and more games to be played, there’s sustained fan interest almost to November. That’s especially welcome news for New York fans this year, since neither the Yankees nor the Mets will win their division, but both are good position to be wild card teams.

TLabor Day. Voters are back from vacation or home from the beach. All that went before was but a prelude to the nine-week race that won’t end until late on election night, Nov. 4.

This campaign run to the finish is both a sprint and a marathon. Having run for elective office 19 times, I can tell you that a campaign is both exhilarating and exhausting. A candidate who has run a serious race should have nothing left at the end.

he candidates and the playoff contenders head down the stretch.

And the postseason is a brand new ball game. Last season, the Mets won postseason series over the Brewers and the Phillies, both of which had finished ahead of the Mets in the regular season. The Mets then pushed the Dodgers to six games before finally succumbing, falling short of the World Series by just two games. This year’s September challenge for the Mets is to make sure they nab a wild card slot so they can go on to October, where anything can happen.

Much like baseball, the American political season begins in earnest after

This is especially true in Nassau County, where there are few easy races. I assure you that despite Bruce Blakeman’s excellent record as county executive, with Nassau being rated the safest county in the United States and no tax increases, he is not taking his re-election for granted. Yes, polls show that Blakeman has a solid lead over his challenger, Democratic County Legislator Seth Koslow, but he also knows there are 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in Nassau County.

Blakeman remembers just four years ago, when he was the challenger and incumbent County Executive Laura Curran was the frontrunner, clearly leading in the polls. But Blakeman waged a strong, hard-fought campaign,

and on election night in November 2021, he was victorious.

Similarly, in the race for county district attorney that same year, Democratic State Sen. Todd Kaminsky was the clear favorite over career prosecutor Anne Donnelly, a Republican. The consensus among political insiders was that Kaminsky would use the D.A.’s office as a steppingstone to state attorney general, and then governor. But Donnelly ran as a strict law-and-order candidate, opposed to the so-called “bail reform” legislation supported by Kaminsky. Election night saw a landslide win for Donnelly.

While national and statewide races get the most media attention, it’s county and town races that are closest to, and most intense for, voters. There are no flyover candidates or Rose Garden campaigns. The candidates are right there in our communities, at local events. We see them up close, and get to know who they are and what they stand for. And the issues are ones that affect us directly: safe streets and neighborhoods, support for our police, preventing tax increases and creating jobs. All of it leading to Nov 4, Election Day, the World Series of politics.

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

The battle of egos in the Big Apple

eing a former elected official, I am asked frequent questions about political matters. Some are about national developments or personalities, but lately, almost all are about New York City’s mayoral contest. For most of this year, many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility that a total unknown, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, could become the city’s first socialist mayor.

My initial comments have been intended for city dwellers who failed to show up at the June Democratic primary and are now brooding about the potential of having someone so controversial and unqualified running a city of more than 8 million people. I remind them that the city primary elections now use a ranked-choice voting system, which favors unknown candidates, who may have little funding but know how to run a campaign. Mamdani was able to raise a substantial amount of money through

small donations, and ran a professional campaign that is now the envy of the political establishment. The first political shockwave was on primary night, when, early in the evening, it became evident that he would be the clear winner. He won so handily that his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, made an early concession speech.

UBy the time the sun was up the following day, my telephone was ringing off the hook. While the summer months are usually la-la time, the inquiries continued on a daily basis. In August I switched my responses from “I don’t know” to “Let’s see who will run against Mamdani,” hoping that Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, would agree on one independent challenger who could give Mamdani a real contest. But now the September clock is ticking, and there is daily buzz about who will stay in the race and who will drop out. Behind the scenes, prominent conservatives, such as the philanthropist Ronald Lauder and the supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, have been trying to get either Adams or Sliwa, or both, to drop out. But because both men

have massive egos, there has been a lot of pushback, though Adams has appeared to leave the door open to “a challenge where my country calls me.”

nless there’s a show of humility, New York City will be led by a political novice.

The “country” Adams is referring to is President Trump, who has made it clear that he doesn’t want Mamdani to win. Even though having a socialist mayor would give Republicans a great issue against traditional Democrats, the president is a New Yorker at heart and has many interests to protect if the city were to take a downturn. It’s possible that Adams will be enticed to drop out, and that may have happened by the time this appears, but even then the picture would still be cloudy if Curtis Sliwa stays in the race.

A recent Siena Research/NY Times poll concluded that if the only candidates in the race were Cuomo and Mamdani, Mamdani would win 48 percent of the vote, and Cuomo 44 percent. But those figures may not take into account how, in a race that tight, voters in all political parties might coalesce around Cuomo because of their fear of the Democratic designee. I expect that on Election Day it will be a three-person contest, because Sliwa

is hard-nosed, and the winner will be Mamdani.

There is another facet to this New York City battle. Few city elections have ever attracted national attention, but this one is attracting national and even international poll watchers. The Republican Party would love for Mamdani to win, so they could label all Democrats socialist sympathizers. Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani over the weekend, but many other major Democratic officeholders have yet to take a position on the race. The few who have were almost forced to act, because their party base is made up of all factions, which include socialist backers.

The November date of destiny is coming at us quickly. There are an impressive number of young voters in the city who have been smitten by Mamdani’s pledge of free buses, rent freezes and public grocery stores. But they don’t pay the real estate taxes and support the infrastructure that make New York the most important city in the world. And if the political novice gets elected, all of New York City and state will suffer.

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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Established 1994

Incorporating:

Malverne Community Times 1964-1994

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rhonda

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Phone: (516) 569-4000

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tHERALD

Our disagreements must stop at debate

he United States has long prided itself on being a nation in which political differences are aired by way of ballots, not bullets. In recent years, however, violence has too often invaded our public square, shattering lives, feeding a general atmosphere of fear and distrust, and undermining the democratic ideals we claim to cherish.

As we count down to Election Day on Nov. 4, we must recommit to the principle that civil political discourse — not intimidation, assault or bloodshed — is the only legitimate path forward.

Consider the troubling list of recent events. On Jan. 6, 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, brutally attacking police officers in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power to then President-elect Joseph Biden, a Democrat. Five people died in the rioting. Since then, President Trump, a Republican, has survived two assassination attempts.

In 2022, Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was bludgeoned with a hammer in the Pelosis’ home in San Francisco. In April of this year, a man attempted to burn down the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a fellow Democrat.

In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was killed in a targeted attack at her home, along with

letters

Blakeman has a narrow definition of ‘safe’

To the Editor:

Re County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s op-ed last week, “Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe”: Blakeman’s myopia ought not be ours. Though the Nassau County Police Department is top-notch in both competence and compensation, “safety” is a far broader sentiment than armed personnel.

With the most foreclosures in the metropolitan region, Nassau is not a safe place for those who can’t keep up with the Joneses. Our growing population of residents dependent on food bank services, absentee landlords and gig work surely appreciate our police, but don’t feel safe from economic predation. And neither drivers nor pedestrians are especially safe in Nassau, and the roadways themselves would win no awards.

Our famed police are no comfort to anyone viewed through ICE-eyes as dusky, dusty or dawdling. We are not yet saved from Nassau’s dual-action dysfunctional property-tax regime, its failed bus patrol tax, its Nassau University Medical Center mess nor wasteful

her husband, Mark Hortman. In a separate incident, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were wounded, allegedly by the same gunman.

On Sept. 10, one day before our national commemoration of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk shook the nation.

All of these acts, though politically motivated in different ways, shared a tragic theme: a rejection of reasoned debate in favor of violence. The perpetrators’ actions defied both justice and ethics. Political leaders, regardless of party, must unequivocally denounce violence not only when it is directed at their allies, but also when it strikes their adversaries.

The answers to bitter disagreements can be found instead in the very foundation of American law: our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, association and petition. These rights were spelled out so that individuals and groups could argue, persuade and organize without fear of reprisal.

Violence, by contrast, seeks to silence opponents permanently. It is not an expression of political conviction but rather a repudiation of it — an attempt to destroy debate rather than contribute to it. That is why every civilized society criminalizes assault, murder and terrorism. To resort to such methods is not

only to break the law but also to tear at the moral fabric that holds communities together.

Violence corrodes democracy itself. When citizens and leaders live under constant threat, they retreat from public engagement. Ordinary people withdraw from activism. Elected officials alter decisions out of fear for their families’ safety. Journalists censor themselves to avoid becoming targets. These chilling effects shrink the civic space, and create an atmosphere of suspicion and anger.

The way forward requires a cultural shift that emphasizes respect, empathy and resilience even in the face of profound disagreements. Everyone from students to business executives to politicians to the media should refuse to share disinformation, avoid demonizing those with whom we have differing opinions and welcome calm, reasoned argument that can change minds more effectively than threats ever could.

Passionate debate is fine. Disagreement is natural in a diverse society, and progress often emerges from that vigorous discussion. In stark contrast, every time a political leader is targeted, every time a citizen is attacked for his or her beliefs, the American experiment itself is weakened.

At this point in our country’s history, the stakes could not be higher. We must choose civility over cruelty, and persuasion over violence.

opinions Preparing students for an AI world

As superintendent, I’m often asked about artificial intelligence in our schools. Should we embrace it fully or ban it entirely? The answer, like most things in education, isn’t black and white.

Recent debates have created two camps: those who say AI makes traditional writing obsolete, and we should teach students to become AI editors, and those who worry that AI will stunt our children’s intellectual development.

Both perspectives miss a crucial point that should guide every decision we make in K-12 education: Timing matters most.

Unlike college students or working professionals, our elementary and middle school students are in the most critical period of brain development. Research shows that the brain continues developing into the mid-20s, making the K-12 years the window when cognitive architecture is being built. What we do, or don’t do, during this time can have lasting consequences.

Consider this: Neuroscience research demonstrates that handwriting activates more brain regions than typing, promoting better learning, memory and neural connections. Sup-

pose we abandon foundational skills too early in favor of AI shortcuts. In that case, we may be undermining the very cognitive abilities our students will need to succeed in an AI-augmented world.

I’ve spoken with college professors who describe AI-generated student work as having “an aura of machinic blandness” — content that sounds logical but lacks substance. More concerning is when students can’t tell the difference between this hollow content and genuine critical thinking. If our graduates leave school unable to distinguish quality thought from empty prose, we’ve failed them fundamentally.

ointroduce AI as a research and brainstorming tool while requiring students to fact-check its output and maintain original thinking in all assignments. Students learn to compare human and AI-generated work, developing the discriminatory skills they’ll need throughout their lives.

ur graduates will use AI to amplify their intelligence, not replace it.

Advanced collaboration (grades 9-12). Our secondary students on the south side can learn sophisticated AI interaction while demonstrating independent critical thinking. They tackle complex projects requiring both human insight and AI enhancement, always with emphasis on ethics, bias detection and responsible use.

ly, sit with cognitive dissonance, solve complex problems and collaborate effectively with both people and machines.

While AI can generate content, it cannot replicate the uniquely human abilities we’re committed to developing: complex problem-solving across disciplines; creative synthesis of ideas from multiple sources; ethical reasoning and moral judgment; genuine interpersonal communication and collaboration; leadership and collaboration skills; and habits of mind for lifelong learning and adaptability

These skills have always been important. In an AI world, they become essential.

Rather than choosing between extreme positions, we will be discussing a graduated approach that protects cognitive development while preparing students for their future:

The foundational years (K-5). We’re maintaining our emphasis on core literacy, handwriting and the conceptual underpinnings and basic computation in mathematics. AI tools, in my opinion, cannot replace the cognitive development happening during these crucial years. Students learn information evaluation and source verification, skills that will serve them well.

Guided introduction (grades 6-8). We

Letters

BLAKEMAN signage. Nassau’s water safety is in question. Discoveries of buried chemical toxins and depleted shorelines threaten real estate, and the police cannot arrest viruses. Nassau has enough police, but not enough security.

BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre

Honoring veterans through service and support

To the Editor:

On Sept. 12, the day after 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, PSEG Long Island, National Grid and the nonprofit General Needs came together to host the first-ever Veteran Warm Up event, serving more than 100 local veterans. At this drive-through event, veterans received bedding, pillows, heaters, LED light bulbs and information about financial and energy-efficiency programs designed to help them keep warm when the weather gets colder.

Why would PSEG Long Island step into this role? The answer is simple: because veterans are our neighbors, and many are among the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Long Island is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in the country, and too many of them face challenges related to housing, health and employment. At PSEG Long Island, we believe our responsibility goes beyond keeping the lights on — we have a duty to support the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

That’s why, year after year, our employee-volunteers give their time, energy and compassion at events that provide direct aid to veterans and other neighbors in need. Collaborating with organizations like General Needs amplifies that impact, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

This commitment to community is an extension of our mission: to provide safe, reliable energy while also strengthening the fabric of the neighborhoods we call home. By supporting veterans, we honor their service and sacrifices while building a culture of understanding and respect that benefits us all.

The future workforce will indeed require AI collaboration skills, but it will reward those who bring robust human cognition to that collaboration. The companies that will hire our graduates want employees who can think strategically, solve novel problems and use AI to amplify their intelligence, not replace it.

We refuse to prepare students who simply accept whatever AI produces without question. Instead, we want to cultivate the reasoning people use that the world has always needed, not just what advanced technology requires: individuals who can think independent-

Every graduate should be able to demonstrate that they can think, analyze and create without AI assistance, and then effectively use AI to enhance their capabilities. They will need to distinguish meaningful content from empty prose and understand the ethical boundaries of AI use.

We are neither afraid of artificial intelligence nor looking to replace human intelligence with it. We are taking the measured, thoughtful approach the RamFam deserves: ensuring that our students develop strong minds first, and then learning to augment those minds with powerful tools.

The future belongs to those who can think well and work effectively with AI. Our job is to prepare students to do both.

Dan Rehman is superintendent of the West Hempstead Union Free School District.

FrAmework by Tim Baker

The Veteran Warm Up event is just one example of how PSEG Long Island strives to live out its values of safety, security and service. We do this because it’s the right thing to do — for our veterans and

for our communities.

mountsinai.org/southnassau