Oyster Bay Herald 11-14-2025

SchoolS

Locust Valley students pass on leadership lessons

Student government leaders from throughout the Locust Valley Central School District congregated at the middle/high school’s mini-theater on Nov. 5 for a leadership conference.

Locust Valley middle and high school students wel-

comed Bayville Intermediate and Locust Valley Intermediate leaders from grades 3 to 5, and led them in workshops covering leadership qualities, decision making, prioritizing, listening and mindfulness. The students also participated in a team building activity

where students used toothpicks and marshmallows to build towers, and created sticker designs to give to community members when they participate in the budget vote in May.

–Will Sheeline

Remembering Reggie Butt this Veteran’s Day

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

On Veterans Day, residents gathered in front of the Veteran’s Memorial in Oyster Bay to honor one of their own, the late Reginald Butt Jr., with the dedication of a town bench in his memory.

The ceremony, hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay, recognized Butt’s decades of military service and lifelong dedication to his hometown. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Councilwoman Vicki Walsh joined members of Butt’s family, local veterans and community groups for the tribute.

“This bench will forever honor a man whose heart has always been anchored right here in Oyster Bay,” Saladino said. “Reginald Butt’s life reflected everything that Oyster Bay stands for; family, service, community and dedication to each other.”

served another 10 years in the Fleet Reserve, completing three decades of military service. When he returned home to Oyster Bay, he married his childhood friend Mary Ann DiLorenzo in 1964 and raised four children; Reginald, Phillip, Carmella and Elizabeth.

LaMarca described Butt as a pillar of the community who continued serving his country through civilian life. He worked as an electrical engineer in the defense industry, developing simulators for the military, and became an active member of several civic organizations, including the Lions Club, American Legion and VFW.

B y having this bench and this plaque we ensure that Reggie Butt Jr. will never be forgotten.

JoSEpH SaL adINo supervisor, Town of Oyster Bay

Butt, who graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1956, left for Navy basic training just four days after graduation. Inspired by his father, a British Royal Navy veteran of World War I, he went on to serve 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

While stationed in Indonesia, Butt personally transcribed a Red Cross telegram announcing the birth of his first child, an experience Saladino said symbolized “a life lived in service and sacrifice, but also in love.”

After retiring from active duty, Butt

“Reggie worked tirelessly to ensure that every veteran in our town was remembered and respected,” LaMarca said. “He organized the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, led the Pearl Harbor Day ceremonies and made sure every veteran’s grave was flagged with honor.”

The bench, LaMarca added, holds special meaning for Butt’s family. It stands in the same spot where his wife and fellow Legion members once sat to watch the parades he helped lead through downtown.

As Father Walter Kedjierski of St. Dominic’s Parish delivered a final blessing, he asked that Butt’s life serve as a reminder of “the virtue and godliness he showed us here in Oyster Bay and across our country.”

“By having this bench and this plaque,” Saladino said, “we ensure that Reggie Butt Jr. will never be forgotten.”

for

and

and

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BIG — JUST FOR BEING PART OF OUR LONG ISLAND COMMUNITY!

At Herald Community Newspapers, we’re celebrating you — with an exciting opportunity to take home $15,000 in cash!

It’s simple and completely free to enter.

Just fill out the entry form and submit your details for your chance to win.

Scan the QR code to enter!

Contest Ends: 12/10/25

Imagine what you could do with $15,000:

Take that dream vacation

Pay down bills or student loans

Upgrade your home

Treat your family to something special

Planning For and Executing Inheritances

(Part Two)

Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?

Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored. Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged child

Celebrating the veterans living in Nassau County

By DANIEL OFFNER

Special to the Herald

In recognition of the thousands of men and women across Long Island who served or are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces, members of the Nassau County community gathered in front of the memorial at Eisenhower Park on Nov. 9 to honor local veterans for their courage and sacrifice.

The Veterans Day ceremony, led by the United Veterans Organization of Nassau County, celebrated the respect, resilience, and dedication of servicemen and women, while emphasizing the importance of veteran agencies that support those returning from active duty.

Morris Miller, past president and board member of the United Veterans Organization, served as master of ceremonies.

“As long as we are alive, we will never ever forget about our brothers,” Miller said. “They may not be with us physically, but they’re with us right here in our hearts.”

Eric Spinner, UVO chaplain and senior vice commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 652, led the convocation, offering a solemn prayer for all who have served.

ANassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman thanked the veterans in attendance for their service and reflected on his family’s long history of military involvement.

“Today sometimes gets confused with Memorial Day,” Blakeman said. “Memorial Day is a sacred day. Not a holiday, but a day to remember those who died in the line of duty. Today is more of a celebration of the brave men and women who joined our armed forces to protect our freedom.”

s long as we are alive, we will never ever forget about our brothers. They may not be with us physically, but they’re with us right here in our hearts.

MORRIs MILLER

Past president and board member, United Veterans Organization of Nassau County

Blakeman shared that both of his parents served during World War II, his son completed a five-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps, and his nephew, who died on Sept. 11, 2001, was an U.S. Army veteran.“Today, I am honored to be in your presence, to be your county executive, and to celebrate all of those brave and courageous men and women who served in the armed forces of the United States of America,” Blakeman said. “May God bless you all, may God bless them, and may God bless America.”

Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, spoke about ongoing initiatives to support local veterans.

they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!

In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.

There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.

Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.

“As we gather this Veterans Day in memory of all who have served and those who continue to serve,” Spinner said, “bless and protect our nation. Be merciful to our honored dead, whose valor, courage, and heroism inspire us to noble action and eternal vigilance in preserving our priceless liberty and our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Spinner also led a poignant POW/MIA remembrance ceremony honoring those who never returned home, explaining the symbolism of each item on the small table set in their honor.

During the ceremony, he thanked Blakeman for recently signing over the deed to the former Long Beach Motor Inn site on Austin Boulevard to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The charitable nonprofit, founded in honor of New York City firefighter Steven Siller — who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — has committed to building 57 units of veteran housing on the site.

“You don’t know how important that is, especially on Veterans Week,” Esposito said. “This means a lot. Our veterans suffer every day, but we’re out there to help. We’re always there for you, and we always will be, as long as I have breath in me.”

HERALD

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oysterbay

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: llane@liherald.com

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 327 E-mail: oysterbayeditor@liherald.com

■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

LIPA chief discusses L.I.’s energy future

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

At the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5, Carrie Meek Gallagher, the new CEO of the Long Island Power Authority, spoke about the future of energy on Long Island.

“Energy is very significant to our economy, our businesses and just our way of life here on Long Island,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.

Gallagher, who took over at LIPA from John Rhodes in June, spoke with dozens of energy experts and local business owners about her priorities for the public authority, which owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaway peninsula. She has over 25 years of experience working in energy and sustainability in the public sector, having directed the Long Island office of the state Department of Public Service, and been the acting deputy secretary to the governor for energy and environment, and the regional director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Everyone here is committed to making sure that Long Island’s energy need are met in a clean, efficient and safe way,” Pat Guidice, business manger of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049, said. “I can’t tell you how happy we at IBEW-1049 are that Carrie is now at the helm of LIPA, ensuring we have clean and efficient energy that will be provided to Long Island.”

“Carrie’s commitment to the people of Long Island is second to none,” Guidice added.

Gallagher said that her priorities are to ensure that there is a clean, reliable and affordable power supply, and to strengthen LIPA’s partnership with PSEG Long Island, which provides electrical service to customers.

“We need power — we need energy to run our economy,” she said. “We know affordability is really critical right now, so that’s something we’re continuing to

focus on.”

Entering contract negotiations with local and outof-state energy providers over the next three years, Gallagher said she is focused on cutting costs without impacting performance. She has also continued outreach about LIPA’s Time-of-Day program, which allows customers to choose when they use electricity, at varying rates.

Gallagher assured attendees that LIPA is prepared for days of high-energy demand. “We have enough capacity on any given day to meet even our peak demands,” she said.

Clean energy — which, she said, Long Island is very committed to — helps relieve the grid in times of high demand. South Fork Wind, she said, has been providing LIPA with power for over a year. She said that Long Island leads the state in solar installations, with nearly 100,000 customers and businesses receiving solar energy. While federal tax incentives for solar power will expire at the end of the year, Gallagher said that LIPA is working with state and local partners to create an alternative option for residents looking to go solar.

“Solar works here,” she said. “We know Long Islanders are willing to adopt it, and we want to continue that momentum, as it really does make a difference.”

According to the state Department of Public Service’s 2024 Electric Reliability Performance Report, Gallagher said, LIPA has outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York for five years. This shows that the agency has consistently provided energy to Long Islanders, and, she added, it continues to invest in ensuring that it can provide reliable and affordable service in the future.

With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below. For the complete terms and conditions, go to psegliny.com/timeofday/terms.

Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER CONTEST

RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12 One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Requirements: All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to:

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21

Nakrin finishes

2,091st out of almost 60,000

Continued from page 1

who first noticed.

“She said, ‘Justin, I think you’ve been picked for the (marathon) lottery, because I see a charge from the New York Road Runners,’” he recalled. “Not even an hour later, I received an email saying that I got in. I was on cloud nine. I was ecstatic.”

Nakrin threw himself into training, increasing his weekly mileage beginning in April and soon adding a weightlifting regimen as well. His older brother, Brandon, a strength and conditioning coach at Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus, helped him develop a nutrition plan.

Brandon said that for Justin, the marathon became a family project. “It kind of all just snowballed,” Brandon said. “He started lifting twice a week, sometimes three times, and made changes to his diet — more protein, more carbs, like rice and oatmeal. Then we started doing sauna therapy for recovery. It was really cool to see the progress.”

The goal, Brandon explained, was to make his brother stronger without sacrificing endurance. They also worked to reduce excess body fat to help lighten Justin’s load, improve his exertional efficiency and help prevent injuries.

Creative Tips

• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

His progress was steady and consistent. “It was slow at first because he was running so much,” Brandon said. “But the consistency really paid off. We barely ever missed a session. Seeing him stick to the plan and enjoy it was awesome.”

On the morning of the marathon, Justin woke up before dawn in Manhattan and caught a bus from the New York Public Library to Staten Island, where runners gathered at the starting line.

“I had a mix of emotions,” he recounted. “It was my first marathon — my dream was finally coming true. I was happy, excited, a little nervous. When it was finally time for the gun to go off, they fired a howitzer cannon and started playing Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York.’ It was really exciting.”

The sheer size of the event stunned him. This was the largest New York City Marathon ever, with just shy of 60,000 runners participating. The 26.2-mile

course winds through all five boroughs, and has a couple of long uphill stretches and a grueling ascent to the Queensboro Bridge. Nakrin said he prepared for the inclines, but still found them challenging.

“It’s considered one of the world’s toughest marathons due to how hilly the course is,” he said, “but it actually went better than expected.”

His goal was simply to finish, but the result far exceeded his expectations.

“I actually ended up running subthree hours,” Nakrin said. “I was two hours, 58 minutes, 13 seconds, and I came in 2,091st place out of 59,226 runners. My mile pace was six minutes and 48 seconds. I didn’t expect to go that fast.”

Brandon said the performance didn’t surprise him. “He really put the work in,” he said. “His original goal was just to finish, but he ended up doing amazing. It was a great accomplishment.”

When Nakrin reached the finish line in Central Park, the emotion of the moment hit him all at once.

“I felt like my heart was full,” he said. “It was a mix of emotions. I was overwhelmed, very happy and proud that I had accomplished this dream I’ve had since I was a kid. My family was cheering for me at Columbus Circle as I came around the park. It was a great feeling seeing and hearing them.”

His mother said that seeing his years of effort come to fruition was emotional for the entire family. “It was a dream come true for him,” Rosaria said. “We were all so proud watching him run and finish. He worked so hard for this.”

Despite the grueling months of training, Nakrin said he’s already planning his next race. He is looking into raising money for a charity for next year’s marathon, and has also entered the lottery for the Berlin Marathon, in September, and plans to keep training with his brother. He finds a sense of peace and familiarity in the sport. “There’s sort of an introspective quality to running, but I also love the training of it: the lifting, the nutrition, the prep work,” Nakrin said. “I’ve been racing since I was a kid, and I just love it.”

Young music students strike a chord with seniors

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Friends Academy students brought warmth and melody to the Regency at Glen Cove, captivating about 40 seniors with a heartfelt program of piano performances.

Performing a range of musical pieces the Nov. 5 program, which began at 3:30 p.m., included “Cossack Dance” by Jacques Aubert, “Whirling Leaves,” by Nancy and Randall Faberand “Rodeo” by Aaron Copland, as well as “Waltz in A Minor” by Frédéric Chopin and three renditions of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”

The lineup also featured “Green Dragon” by Mason Eckstein, a vocal performance of “Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond” and an original composition titled “Opus No. 1” by Friends Academy Lower School student Skylar Kelly.

Before the performance, several students shared they were nervous, some excited, and a few admitted they were encouraged by their parents to participate.

“I find it (music) really relaxing,” said Pippa Keats, a performer and student at Friends Academy Lower School. “It makes me calm.” Fellow performer Peter Tully, also a Lower School student, said that while he enjoys playing piano,

“I always have all these friends bring these children here and to share the joy with them and to teach them about seniors and what happiness is all about.”

Michael Keats, Pippa’s father and a member of the Friends Academy Board of Trustees, praised the students for their courage and generosity in sharing their music. “Learning music and studying it is a very solitary effort,” he said. “It’s not fun until you get to share it with the audience.”

The Regency at Glen Cove offers independent living, assisted living and specialized memory care services for seniors. The center also provides a wide range of social, recreational and wellness programs. Residents at the center consistently showered each performer with applause and praise.

Friends Academy Lower and Middle School Principal Alfred (Rik) Dugan expressed his admiration for the students and organizers. “I have the great joy in my life of being with these amazing students every day,” he said. “Today, we saw another side of their talent and ability.”

he sometimes wishes he could be doing “other things.”

Peter’s mother, Carmella, organized the event at the Regency alongside

Friends Academy parent Karen Keats— Pippa’s mother. “It’s really fun for me to come here,” Carmella told the audience, which included her own mother, Millie.

Dugan added that he hoped to continue working with the Regency on future events. “We really value our partnership with all of you,” he said. Turning to his students, he added, “You’re amazing.”

Welcoming two new trucks to Atlantic Steamer

By WILL SHEELINE

wsheeline@liherald.com

Hoses were out and spirits were high on Nov. 2 as the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company of Oyster Bay christened two new fire trucks during a traditional wet down ceremony at the Boathouse parking lot in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.

The wet down, a longtime fire service tradition, marks the official welcome of new apparatus into a department’s fleet. Neighboring fire departments joined the celebration by spraying water over the new vehicles, a symbolic baptism that has been part of firefighting culture for more than a century.

“It’s basically a christening,” said 2nd Assistant Chief Frank Ozol. “We invite other fire departments to surround our trucks and spray them down. It’s a way to welcome them into service.”

Six neighboring departments took part in the ceremony, including the Oyster Bay, East Norwich, Bayville, Syosset, Locust Valley, and Jericho fire companies. More than 200 people attended the event, which included a blessing by Father Walter Kedjierski of St. Dominic Church and remarks by Atlantic Steamer Chief Francesco Barbera. Local officials, including Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz, Town of Oyster Bay Councilmembers Vicki Walsh and Andrew Monteleone, Oyster Bay Cove Mayor Charles Goulding, and Cove Neck Village Clerk Kathy Zoller, also joined the celebration.

The company’s two new trucks, a Pierce Ascendant 107-foot aerial ladder and a Kenworth Rosenbauer 3,500-gallon tanker, replace older vehicles that had served the department for decades.

The ladder truck carries a 500-gallon water tank, a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, and a roof-mounted water monitor known as a deck gun. It replaces a

“It’s

said. “With 107 feet of reach, we can access roofs and upper stories much more easily, even when we can’t get

close to a building.”

The new tanker, meanwhile, fills a critical need for firefighting in areas without fire hydrants, such as Cove Neck and Oyster Bay Cove. The 2024 Kenworth model, equipped with a custom Rosenbauer body, holds 3,500 gallons of water, seven times more than a standard pumper truck, and features a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump and roofmounted deck gun.

“In some areas, the tanker is the hydrant,” Ozol said. “We’re one of only two fire companies in Nassau County, along with Bayville, that have a tanker like this.”

The event concluded with a community barbecue, giving residents and visiting firefighters a chance to celebrate together.

“It was a beautiful day, and a great turnout,” Ozol said. “It’s always exciting to see the community come out to support us and to welcome new equipment that helps us protect them better.”

Anonymous donation expands health services

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau University Medical Center has received a $1 million anonymous donation to expand women’s health services, funding advanced 3D mammography and bone density technology that will improve early detection and preventive care for patients across Long Island.

The gift, secured by NuHealth Board Chairman Stuart Rabinowitz, will allow the hospital to acquire new 3D mammography systems with biopsy capability and an updated bone density scanner. Both are expected to transform care for two of the most significant health issues affecting women — breast cancer and osteoporosis.

“This extraordinary act of generosity will help us detect breast cancer and osteoporosis earlier, treat them more effectively, and save countless lives,” said Dr. Richard Becker, interim chief executive officer at NUMC. “This is an investment in every woman who entrusts her care to NUMC.”

Rabinowitz said the new equipment will modernize critical services at the East Meadow hospital.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring accessible care for every member of our community,” he said. “This investment will help us deliver on that promise for generations to come.”

The donation comes as NUMC’s exist-

ing mammography equipment, first installed in 2010, reaches the end of its serviceable life. The hospital serves as a key healthcare provider for underserved communities on Long Island, offering equitable, high-quality care to women who may otherwise face barriers to preventive screenings. According to global data, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 700,000 die from the disease. On Long

Island, approximately one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — with higher rates reported among low-income populations.

Early detection is critical. The new Hologic 3D mammography systems will generate high-resolution images that improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and lower callback rates by nearly 50 percent. The systems also feature self-controlled compression for improved comfort and allow both

screening and biopsy on the same platform.

NUMC’s Mobile Mammography Unit, which already brings 3D technology into the community, will continue to provide outreach and screening services, while the new in-hospital systems will expand capacity and streamline diagnostic care.

The donation will also fund a Hologic Horizon DXA system, replacing an outdated bone density scanner. The new device uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density, assess fracture risk, and evaluate body composition with greater precision. Early detection of bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women, can play a major role in preventing osteoporosis and related health complications.

Together, the new systems will provide a full spectrum of advanced imaging for women, combining faster, more accurate, and more comfortable screening experiences with NUMC’s ongoing mission of health equity.

Nassau University Medical Center, operated by the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is a public teaching hospital in East Meadow. As a leading safetynet institution, it provides compassionate, high-quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay, and serves as a regional leader in emergency medicine, women’s health, and preventive care. For more, visit NUMC.edu.

Isles awarded 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.

For only the second time in franchise history, the New York Islanders will host the NHL’s All-Star game. The league announced Oct. 24 UBS Arena will be the site of the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 5, 6 and 7, and the weekend’s festivities will be broadcast by ESPN and ABC. Additional information on the midseason showcase, including ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.

Islanders season ticket members will receive priority access to the event.

“We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”

Tim Baker/Herald

Game three times (2019, 2020 and 2024) and in 2020 won the fastest skater competition, is excited about the event coming to Elmont.

“It’s exciting that the All-Star Game is coming to Long Island,” Barzal said. “UBS Arena is one of the best buildings in the league so it will be great to show off the dressing room and the amenities we have as players. It’s going to be great for our fans to see the best of the best take the ice on the island.”

Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend by going to nhl.com/events/ all-star/nhl-all-star-weekend.

The NHL experienced a new wave of interest last winter when the traditional All-Star Game was replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off, a four-team tournament contested by winners Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland.

The Islanders had originally been awarded the 2026 All-Star Weekend, but that was cancelled this past spring when the league decided not to hold the game in the same year as the Winter Olympic Games taking place in Milan, Italy. The idea then became to turn the weekend into a pre-Olympics event, but the NHL decided to nix that as well to allow players to focus on travel and preparation for the Olympics.

It is now expected each NHL Club will organize an Olympic Winter Games send-off for its respective players traveling to Italy, with more details to be announced in the near future.

Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, who has appeared in the NHL All-Star

The 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will mark just the second time the Islanders will host NHL All-Star activities, with the first being the 1983 edition, featuring the Campbell Conference AllStars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum with a then-record four goals. It’ll also mark the first All-Star Game in the state of New York since 1994, when the New York Rangers hosted it at Madison Square Garden.

Shutdown fueled spike in need across L.I.

month, and makes home deliveries to roughly 750 families, a 25 percent increase over last year. About half of those who use it are families with children.

“The school system provides 180 days of breakfast and lunch,” Myhan said. “There are 185 other days that families are on their own to supplement what the kids would be getting in school. It’s really the children that families are most concerned about — how are they going to feed their kids in a difficult time?”

Nosh reports that roughly 2,500 children receive food through the program each month. While volunteers have stepped up their efforts, the pantry faces challenges replenishing supplies, particularly after the end of the summer growing season. “The food resources we would have, in terms of farms, have dwindled,” Myhan explained. “There’s a great demand for soups and for vegetables in terms of canned goods, because local produce isn’t available.”

Canned corn, beans, mixed vegetables, soups, and one- to two-pound bags of rice are in greatest demand, she said, adding, “Donations are always extremely welcome. That gives us the ability to purchase additional food.”

Christine Rice, the organization’s chair, said that the instability surrounding SNAP has intensified fear among families that are already struggling. “Even with or without this issue with SNAP, people need food,” Rice said. “The government shutdown and the discontinuation of SNAP, which now, supposedly, is going to continue, not only makes people afraid — the thought of not being able to feed their children is a terrifying thought to them.”

Charles otto and Wallace nevin were among a dozen volunteers who helped collect over 3,600 pounds of food at the nosh Harvest of Hope event last Saturday afternoon at the glen Cove Stop & Shop.

tion of having to ask for help.”

To respond to the growing need, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency last week and announced that Island Harvest and Long Island Cares would each receive $50,000 per week in emergency county funding until SNAP payments resume.

“With the issues that are going on in Washington, D.C., right now, there are many people who are in jeopardy of not being able to feed themselves and their families,” Blakeman said. “We are trying to help and supplement the things that a lot of our great not-forprofits are doing here on Long Island.”

Roughly 31,450 Nassau households depend on SNAP benefits. According to county officials, the emergency funding is intended to support food distribution and pantry operations while federal payments remain stalled.

In a statement to the Herald, Rep. Tom Suozzi said the lapse in federal benefits underscores the human cost of political gridlock. “Children, seniors, the disabled, veterans — really no one — should go hungry because of political fights in Washington,” Suozzi said. “SNAP benefits need to reach families now.”

This marks the first time in the program’s history that SNAP payments have been allowed to lapse, despite the availability of a Department of Agriculture contingency fund containing more than $5 billion. Across Long Island, the program provides nearly $40 million in monthly assistance.

Myhan noted that rising food costs have compounded the pressure. “New York’s metro food prices have surged,” she said. “Since 2015, they’ve gone up 56 percent, whereas the national average is 46 percent. And the projected increase in food prices for 2026 is 2.7 percent.”

She added that some first-time visitors are visibly uncomfortable. “It’s embarrassing,” she said. “They never thought they would see themselves in the posi-

The larger story, Myhan, said, is one of community solidarity amid hardship. “We’ve had people come back to say, ‘You helped me when I was in my time of need, and I would like to volunteer now,’” she said. “The appreciation isn’t just a short-term meal on the table — it’s the longer-term impact on their lives.”

STEPPING OUT

Gaelic Storm

‘Jump’ right in with Mickey and his pals

By Karen Bloom

Before we get ready for the big feast, take some time with your family to feast on some Disney magic. The holiday season lights up, once again, as the latest Disney On Ice tour skates into UBS Arena with “Jump In!,” now through Nov. 16.

As always, Mickey and the gang start audiences off on some wild adventures from the moment everyone settles in their seats. It’s a jumpin’ and jivin’ ride that begins with a touch of Mickey’s Magical Mouse Pad. Yeah, that’s right, even Mickey has embraced technology with his special version of an iPad!

Truly an outsized spectacle, over 50 characters gather in this —all-new — extravagant showcase of some of Disney’s most beloved tales. Disneyphiles will jump for joy when new characters from “Moana 2” and Anxiety, the newly-introduced emotion in the “Inside Out 2” sequel, appear on ice. Anxiety is, of course, joined by the other characters we all know so well: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear.

Everyone can navigate those thrilling high seas with Moana and feel all the feels in the vibrant world of “Inside Out 2” when these beloved films come to life on ice for the first time. And, naturally, there’s so much more.

Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of “Zootopia,” glide through the icy realms of “Frozen,” marvel at the playful“Toy Story” universe and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in “Encanto.” Plus, everyone is always in awe when Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Tiana arrive in a dazzling parade of Disney princesses.

These unforgettable characters and their adventures are fully alive as families are transported to world where imaginations soar — and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.”

And that’s how it is for Andrew Austin. The Chicago, Ill.-based skater, who joined the Disney On Ice ensemble in 2022, after concluding his competitive skating career — is certainly living his dream.

He, naturally, has been a Disney fan since childhood (a prerequisite of sorts for skaters in the show). His first experience with Disney on Ice came around age 6, Austin recalls.

“I’ve always loved Disney, especially ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ A truly poignant memory for me is when my godmother took me [to the show]. I

• Now through Sunday. Nov. 16; times vary

• Tickets start at $40; available at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

have such a fond memory of being there with her.”

That memory has since become reality for Austin, who first laced up skates as 6-year-old.

“I soon realized I had a talent for skating and wanted to see how far I could push myself,” he says.”

At 23, Austin decided it was time, as he put it, “to make a new start and begin a new chapter.”

Disney beckoned and he never looked back.

“It’s all magical,” Austin says enthusiastically.

That word again. The Mouse House goes big on the magic — and the magic brings everyone together.

“It’s really about family togetherness and learning the magic of family so it’s a great time for all ages,” Austin says.

Like always, the skating brings a new dimension to the stories we know so well. You’ll see exciting visuals, thrilling stunts and mesmerizing choreography that fully immerse those both on ice and in their seats. The solos, pairs and fast-paced ensemble skating, along with acrobatic routines, keep everyone transfixed to the action unfolding.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, the skating is truly top notch,” Austin adds.

Expect to see acrobatic stunts throughout the show. High-flying performers elevate skating to the next level, with gravity-defying aerial stunts.

It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes Gaelic Storm a true anomaly. The multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. fans of every genre are attracted to their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when the band kicked off their career as a pub band in Santa Monica, Calif. Those performances ultimately led to their discovery that found the band appearing in the blockbuster film “Titanic” (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”), laying the groundwork for what would come, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative.

Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. $68, $58, $48. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Princess Ariel soars above the ice to “Kiss the Girl,” and Rapunzel’s golden hair is brought to life by flowing aerial silks in a dazzling aerial routine with Flynn Rider.

Throughout it all, you’ll be singing along — no matter your age. Disney’s timeless catalog, including “Let It Go” (Frozen), “Try Everything”(Zootopia), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), “Get Lost” (Moana 2), and many more favorites, are all part of the exciting soundtrack.

Excitement is certainly a descriptive of the entire spectacle.

“It’s really special and exciting for the cast to see all those smiling faces. We’re so happy to see the how the kids connect with the characters ... I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” he continues.

A final word from Austin: “This really is about family togetherness and learning the magic of family, so it’s a great time for all ages. You’ll see how the magic comes from within.”

Matt Friend

Matt Friend has been described as “a gift to comedy.” If you’re not familiar with him yet, now’s the time to find out what he’s all about. Truly an old soul in the body of a 26-year-old, the comedian-actor-impressionist — a 2020 graduate of NYU’s Gallatin School — discovered a love for comedy at the tender age of four after watching Austin Powers and mimicking the characters’ voices. His passion has since propelled him to great heights, amassing over 1 million followers on social platforms. Known for his impressive repertoire of over 250 impressions, from Rami Malek to Timothee Chalamet, he’s a beloved comedic figure on social media, stages and red carpets worldwide. Mattcontinues to captivate audiences with his stand-up shows across the U.S. and abroad. Impressions aside, Matt is a true intellect — wise beyond his years — a student of show business, comedy, politics, and culture.

Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

NOV

Owl Prowl

Sands Point Preserve welcomes all to a fascinating evening with these creatures of the night. Learn how to identify owls by sight and sound, and attract these beneficial birds to your own backyard. Then head out to the woods for a very quiet guided night walk in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. A presenter from the teaches everyone how to develop your night vision – flashlights are not needed! Spaces are limited and registration required.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m. adults only; also Nov. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., families with children 8+

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

NOV

15

Collage workshop

Join Nassau County Museum of Art’s first Artist-in Residence, John Grande, on a creative journey through personal expression and visual storytelling. Compose your own collage while exploring a variety of tools and techniques used by professional collage and mixed media artists. Each participant will have their pick from a variety of vintage, printed and colorful papers, fabric and trim samples, post cards, magazine clippings, books, and other collaging materials. $50, $45 members. For ages 16+.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Noon-3 p.m.

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

NOV

16

Hempstead House Tour

See the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion at Sands Point Preserve, the former summer residence of Howard Gould (1912-1917) and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim (1917-1930). For adults, but children 5+ are allowed. $10 per person.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Nov. 23

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

Oyster Bay Market

Oyster Bay Market, presented by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, offers all sorts of

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet

Open Mic Night

Bayville Village Arts Council holds their Open Mic Night featuring the HOW, one of Long Island’s favorite bands, playing an electrifying mix of blues, country, and rock. Join them for this free concert and sing your heart out.

• Where: Bayville Arts Center, 88 Bayville Ave.

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: artscouncil@bayville.org

NOV

29

Photography Night

Bayville Village Arts Council presents its first Photography Night. Bring family and friends for a fun outing.

• Where: Bayville Arts Center, 88 Bayville Ave, Bayville

• Contact: (516) 628-1439

DEC

5

• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444

For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. The band has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucets spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompsons Meltdown Festival in England. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Richard Thompson. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Thompson is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist. As one of the founding members of the group Fairport Convention, Thompson would have a seismic impact on both U.K. folk and rock, incorporating elements of traditional music (most effectively on 1969’s Liege and Lief) in a way that sparked a new interest in authentic British folk. He left the group by age 21, which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist. A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. Thompson wavered between acoustic projects (2005’s Front Parlour Ballads) and more robust full-band efforts (2013’s Electric), but despite his status as an elder statesman of the singer/ songwriter community, he remained active and engaged as a writer and musician, releasing the powerful 13 Rivers in 2018, when he was 69-years-old. $75, $65, $55.

tempting products, weekly on Sundays through November.

• Where: 97 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 922-6982

NOV

18

Town Board meeting

The Oyster Bay Town Board meets. All are welcome.

• Where: Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6380

Little Learners: Woodland Creatures

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an animal adventure. Step into the forest and meet the furry, feathered, and sometimes hidden animals that call it home! Kids will begin with an enchanting story that introduces the world of woodland creatures, followed by hands-on creative activities that bring these animals to life. Then, head outdoors to explore Planting Fields, spotting real animals and engaging in playful activities that mimic their natural habits. It’s NOV

a delightful blend of storytelling, imagination, and interactive nature exploration that sparks curiosity in every little learner. For ages 2-5. Registration required. $15 per child.

• Where: Education Center, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 10-11 a.m.

• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American art was defined by Realism as artists captured the world as they saw it. Often overlooked in conventional approaches to aesthetic progress, it has center stage in this exhibit, exploring how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured, including portraits by such noteworthy Realists as John Currin and Fairfield Porter; rare tapestries and works on paper by Surrealist masters Salvador Dalí and Man Ray; and more. Opens Nov. 22, on view

through March 8.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

NOV

22

Native American Fall Festival

Join in the annual holiday event that honors the spirit and traditions of Long Island’s early residents at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve timed to coincide with Thanksgiving. Varied activities include tool and pottery-making, spear-throwing and the use of the atlatl (a spear-throwing tool), primitive fire building (without matches!) and on-site campfire cooking. Sample some authentic native foods and learn about the process of creating “dugout” canoes. Also see displays of artifacts from the museum collection and an authentic reproduction of a wigwam, scavenger hunt, and more.

• Where: 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; also Nov. 23

• Contact: garviespointmuseum. com or (516) 571-8010 or (516) 571-8011

First Friday: Holiday Magic

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Planting Fields’ Main House! On this guided tour participants are awed by the ornate decorations that are pulled directly from the grounds of Planting Fields. Beginning with a brief stroll through the Synoptic Garden that highlights featured materials used in holiday decor and ending inside the Main House, tour-goers will learn about what goes into preparing the 65-room Tudor Revival museum for its festive transformation. $20 per person.

• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Bayvilletree

lighting

The Village of Bayville hosts their annual tree lighting. Celebrate the holiday spirit with friends and family at Bayville Commons with delicious holiday treats, activities for the kids and much more.

• Where: Bayville Commons, 282 Bayville Ave., Bayville

• Time: 4-8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 628-1439

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.

NOVEMBER 19 • 5:30-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANON U.S.A., INC.

ELECTRIC

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI

President & CEO

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

ACCOUNTING

JERRY P. WARD

Managing Partner

EY Long Island Office

KIRTHI MANI

Chief People Officer

CLA

LOUIS C. GRASSI, CPA, CFE

Founder & CEO

Grassi Advisors Group, Inc.

SHEILA KURMAN

Chief Human Resources Officer

Prager Metis CPAs

ADVERTISING

BENJAMIN COGGIANO

President Walter F. Cameron Advertising

CONSTRUCTION

JOSH SEIDEN

Owner & President

LMJ Management & Construction

EDUCATION

EDWARD T. BONAHUE, PH.D.

President

Suffolk County Community College

MARIA CONZATTI, PH.D.

Chief Administrative Officer

Nassau Community College

RACQUEL A. BROWN

Associate Dean Administrative & Fiscal Affairs

St. John’s University

TIMOTHY E. SAMS, PH.D.

President

SUNY Old Westbury

PATRICIA GALTERI

MICHAEL STEWART

Chief Financial Officer L.E.B Electric

ENGINEERING

MAQSOOD MALIK, P.E.

Founder, President & CEO

M&J Engineering, D.P.C.

MOHAMMAD MALIK

Chief Operating Officer

M&J Engineering, D.P.C.

Managing Attorney Meyer Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

RONALD FATOULLAH, ESQ. CELA , Chair Elder Law Practice Group, Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP

MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION

FRANK PALMA

PRINTING

NOREEN CARRO

President

LMN Printing of NY, Inc.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

ROBERT M. GITTO

Vice President

The Gitto Group

TAX PROPERTY REDUCTION SERVICES

SEAN ACOSTA

President

BILLY HAUGLAND II

Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

FINANCE

MICHAEL MARRERO

SBA Director, SVP BankUnited

HEALTHCARE

MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT

President & CEO Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation Center

SOFIA AGORITSAS, MPA, FACHE Vice President, Business Development Cohen Children’s Medical Center

HOSPITALITY

MICHAEL LESSINGS

Chief Executive Officer Lessings Hospitality Group INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE

LAURA BONELLI President LifeVac LLC

LEGAL

ALLAN COHEN

Managing Partner Nixon Peabody, LLP

President Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, LLC

MORTGAGE BANKING

DONATO (DANNY) NICOLO

President/Owner Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

ANNE BRIGIS

President & CEO YMCA Long Island

JEFFREY L. REYNOLDS, PH.D.

President & CEO Family and Children’s Association (FCA)

KATHERINE FRITZ President & CEO Long Island Cares

LONNIE SHERMAN President General Needs

MIKE ROSEN

Chief Marketing Officer Guide Dog Foundation & America's VetDogs

TAMMY SEVERINO President & CEO Girls Scouts of Suffolk County

THERESA REGNANTE President & CEO United Way of Long Island

Property Tax Reduction Consultants

TECHNOLOGY

EUGENE SAYAN

Founder,Chairman, CEO Softheon

JOE SCIOSCIA

Executive Vice President

Vormittag Associates, Inc. (VAI)

MICHAEL CHAMBERS AND SEAN INFANTE

President & Vice President

Central Business Systems

TOM BIANCULLI

Chief Technology Officer

Zebra Technologies

TOURISM

MITCH PALLY

Interim President & CEO

Discover Long Island

SHARON WYMAN

Chief Operations Officer

Discover Long Island

TRANSPORTATION

MARLON TAYLOR

President

New York & Atlantic Railway

PALMINA WHELAN, CCM, FCMAA, MCIOB, NAC

Founder & Capital Program

Director of New Terminal 1 at JFK

Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions

ROBERT FREE

President

Long Island Rail Road

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY

By the Grace of God Free and Independent

TO:Nicole Karis, Estate of Nancy Barry

14,

A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501, United States.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW

CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on December 3, 2025 at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why the Petition To Deposit with the Nassau County Treasurer by the Public Administrator of Nassau County, a copy of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the Estate of Rosemary Barry, should not be granted.

[X] Further relief sought (if any):

Nicole Karis’s distributive share in the amount of $ 79,121.29, plus applicable interest, and Nancy Barry’s distributive share in the amount of $ 79,121.29, plus applicable interest, less $75.00 representing the Court’s mandatory fee to file the Petition and less related administration costs in this proceeding, be deposited with the Nassau County Treasurer pursuant to SCPA § 2223.

Dated, Attested, and Sealed, HON.

Rhonda E. Fischer

Rhonda E. Fischer, Acting Surrogate

October 23, 2025 (Seal)

s/ Debra Keller Leimbach Chief Clerk

Richard T. Kerins, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name (516) 538-1111

Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard

South, Garden City South, New York 11530

Address

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a

right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney 156553

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST DON FORCHELLI, III; NICOLE MARIE FORCHELLI; ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 3, 2023, 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 December 10, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 79 Capitol Heights Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oyster Bay, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section: 24 Block: B Lot: 32. Approximate amount of judgment $712,992.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000595/2017. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000569 87694 156602

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff AGAINST GLENN A. SPELLMAN AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF WESSIE V. SPELLMAN WHO WAS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF GEORGE HENRY SPELLMAN, GEORGE H. SPELLMAN, III AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF WESSIE V. SPELLMAN WHO WAS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF GEORGE HENRY SPELLMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered December 19, 2023, 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 December 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 28 Cross Street, Locust Valley, NY 11560. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Locust Valley, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 30, Block 7, Lot 139 & 141. Approximate amount of judgment $355,697. 69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604609/2019. Michele Bencivinni, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-002006 87639 156579

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that at a regular meeting held on the 5th day of November 2025, the Board of Commissioners of the Jericho Water District duly adopted a resolution, an abstract of which follows, which resolution is subject to a permissive referendum pursuant to Town Law Article 7: RESOLUTION authorizing the Treasurer to appropriate funds from the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the replacement of Trane HVAC Fan Coil Units in the administration building located at District Headquarters in the amount of $87,000.00.

Dated: November 14, 2025 James Asmus, Commissioner Secretary of the Jericho Water District 156823

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU. PEPE/BERARD CAPITAL LLC, Plaintiff- againstMARIANNE AL MANSOOR, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 7, 2025 and entered on October 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee

will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

PARCEL I

situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Oyster Bay Cove, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Right of Way (50 foot wide) where the division line between premises herein described and land now or formerly of Higgins intersects the said easterly side of said Right of Way (5O foot wide) said point or place of beginning also being distant the following eight courses and distances from a stone monument located on the northerly side of Cove Road where the southeasterly comer of land now or formerly of H. H. Weeks and the southwesterly corner of land now or formerly of Higgins intersects the said northerly side of Cove Road: 1. North 87 degrees 49 minutes East along the northerly side of Cove Road 87.48 feet. 2. South 88 degrees 54 minutes East along the northerly side of Cove Road 183 .00 feet to a point on the northerly side of Cove Road where the center line of aforesaid 50 foot wide Right of Way intersects the northerly side of Cove Road; 3. North 1 degree 06 minutes East along the center line of aforesaid 50 foot wide Right of Way 70.00 feet; 4. Northeasterly along the center line of aforesaid 50 foot Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 135 .00 feet a distance of 87 .18 feet said curve being subtended by a chord 85 .68 feet in length bearing North 19 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 5. Northeasterly along the center line of aforesaid 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 513.00 feet a distance of 105.20 feet. said curve being subtended by a chord 105.02 feet in length bearing North 43 degrees 58 minutes 30 seconds East to a point.

6. Northeasterly along the center line of aforesaid 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the left having a radius of 123.00 feet a distance of 172.82 feet said curve being subtended by a chord 158.34 feet in length bearing North 9 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 7. Northwesterly along the center line of aforesaid 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 778.02 feet a distance of 66.57 feet, said curve being subtended by chord 66.55 feet in length bearing North 28 degrees 16 minutes 30 seconds West to a point; 8. North 64 degrees 06 minutes East across the aforesaid Right of Way 25.00 feet to point or place of BEGINNING; RUNNING THENCE from said point or place of beginning northerly along the easterly side of aforesaid 50 feet wide Right of Way and along a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 778.02 feet a distance of 295.15 feet said curve being subtended by a chord 293.39 feet in length bearing North 15 degrees 01 minutes 55 seconds West to a point and land now or formerly of Higgins; THENCE along land now or formerly of Higgins North 55 degrees 27 minutes 40 seconds East 274.88 feet to Oyster Bay Cove; THENCE along Oyster Bay Cove the following four courses and distances: 1. South 24 degrees 38 minutes East 10.34 feet; 2. South 33 degrees 43 minutes East 170.86 feet; 3. South 25 degrees 54 minutes East 142.38 feet; 4.South 16 degrees 57 minutes East 78.25 feet to land now or formerly of Higgins; THENCE along said last mentioned land the following two courses and distances: 1 . South 73 degrees 13 minutes 25 seconds West 50 .00 feet; 2. South 76 degrees 13 minutes 15 seconds West 294.87 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING.

TOGETHER with an easement for ingress and egress over a 50 foot Right of Way to Cove Road, the center line of which is distant the following two courses and distances

from a stone monument located on the northerly side of Cove Road where the southeasterly comer of land now or formerly of H.H. Weekes and the southwesterly comer of land now or formerly of Higgins intersects the said northerly side of Cove Road: 1. North 87 degrees 49 minutes East along the northerly side of Cove Road 87 .48 feet; 2. South 88 degrees 54 minutes East 183 .00 feet to a point on the northerly side of Cove Road; where the center line of said 5O foot wide Right of Way intersects the northerly side of Cove Road, the point or place of beginning; RUNNING THENCE from said point or place of beginning northerly along the center of said 50 foot wide Right of way the following six courses and distances: 1. North 1 degree 06 minutes East 70.00 feet; 2.Along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 135.00 feet a distance of 87 .18 feet said curve being subtended by a chord 83 .68 feet in length bearing North 19 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 3. Along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 513.00 feet a distance of 105.20 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 105.02 feet in length bearing North 43 degrees 50 minutes 30 seconds East to a point; 4. Along the arc of a curve bearing to the left having a radius of 123 .00 feet a distance of 172.82 feet, said curve bearing subtended by a chord 158.94 feet in length bearing North 9 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 5. Along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 778.02 feet a distance of 66.57 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 66.55 feet in length bearing North 28 degrees 16 minutes 30 seconds West to a point; 6. Along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 803.02 feet a distance of 304.63 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 302.82 feet in length bearing North 15 degrees 01 minutes 55 seconds West to a point. PARCEL II situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Oyster Bay

Cove, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the northwesterly corner of premises herein described distant the following courses and distances from a stone monument located on the northerly side of Cove Road where the southeasterly corner of land now or formerly H.H. Weekes and the southwesterly corner of land now or formerly of Higgins intersects the said northerly side of Cove Road; 1. North 87 degrees 49 minutes East along the northerly side of Cove Road 87.48 feet; 2. South 88 degrees 54 minutes East along the northerly side of Cove Road 163.00 feet to a point on the northerly side of Cove Road where the center line of 50 foot wide Right of Way intersects the northerly side of Cove Road; 3. North 1 degree 06 minutes East along the center line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way 70.00 feet; 4. Northeasterly along the center line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 135 .00 feet a distance of 87 .18 feet said curve being subtended by a chord 85.68 feet in length bearing North 19 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 5. Northeasterly along the center line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 513.00 feet a distance of 105.20 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 105.22 feet in length bearing North 43 degrees 58 minutes 30 seconds East to a point; 6. Northeasterly along the center line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way along the arc of a curve bearing to the left having a radius of 123.00 feet a distance of 172.83 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 158.94 feet in length bearing North 9 degrees 36 minutes East to a point; 7. Northwesterly along the center line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way and along a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 778.02 feet a distance of 66.57 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 66.55 feet in length bearing North 28 degrees 16 minutes

30 seconds West to a point; 8. Northwesterly along the center Line of said 50 foot wide Right of Way and along the arc of a curve bearing to the right having a radius of 803.02 feet a distance of 304.63 feet, said curve being subtended by a chord 302.82 feet in length bearing North 15 degrees 01 minutes 55 seconds West to a point; 9. Running across said Right of Way North 85 degrees 50 minutes 10 seconds East 25.00 feet to land now or formerly of Higgins; 10. North 55 degrees 27 minutes 40 seconds East along land now or formerly of Higgins 274.88 feet to Oyster Bay Cove; 11. North 24 degrees 28 minutes West and part of the distance through s stone monument and along Oyster Bay Cove 120.00 feet; 12. North 13 degrees 04 minutes West along Oyster Bay Cove 113.40 feet; 13. North 1 degree 31 minutes East along Oyster Bay Cove 97.30 feet to a stone monument and land now or formerly of B.G. Weekes; 14. South 85 degrees 03 minutes 30 seconds East along land now or formerly of B.G. Weekes 174.18 feet to a stone monument and land now or formerly of Higgins; 15. South 44 degrees 41 minutes 40 seconds West along land now or formerly 17.97 feet to Oyster Bay Cove; 16. South 44 degrees 32 minutes 10 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 86.92 feet; 17. South 20 degrees 12 minutes 40 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 20.41 feet; 18. South 35 degrees 00 minutes 40 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 34.08 feet; 19. South 58 degrees 29 minutes 50 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 11. 12 feet; 20. South 33 degrees 28 minutes 50 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 13.00 feet; 21. South 28 degrees 05 minutes 20 seconds West along Oyster Bay Cove 11.94 feet; 22. South 26 degrees 53 minutes 40 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 29.03 feet; 23. South 22 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East along Oyster Bay Cove 44.46 feet to the point or place of beginning; RUNNING THENCE from said point or place of beginning and along

Classic comedy returns with ‘I Love Lucy’ live

The Slayer Players Theatre Company brought laughter and nostalgia to North Country Reform Temple with their live performance of Classic TV Live! Lucy Is ‘With Child’. The first two shows took place on Nov. 8 and 9, with additional performances scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16. Director Fred DiMenna said, “We want to create something fun that

brings people together, something that feels familiar but fresh.” The event served as a fundraiser for the temple and offered dinner-and-show, brunch-and-show, and showonly options. The production captured the timeless humor of I Love Lucy while celebrating community through local theater.

–Roksana Amid

Public Notices

land now or formerly of Higgins North 58 degrees 21 minutes 35 seconds East 103.64 feet to Oyster Bay Cove; THENCE along Oyster Bay Cove the following eight courses and distances: 1. South 7 degrees 21 minutes 05 seconds East 15.52 feet; 2. South 10 degrees 33 minutes 10 seconds West 34.89 feet; 3. South 62 degrees 37 minutes 30 seconds West 25.34 feet; 4. South 55 degrees 08 minutes 20 seconds West 48.69 feet; 5. South 60 degrees 39 minutes 10 seconds West 21.28 feet; 6. North 56 degrees 56 minutes 20 seconds West 8.34 feet; 7. North 11 degrees 10 minutes 10 seconds East 35.05 feet; 8. North 22 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds West 6.82 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. SBL#

27-D-30, 31 Said premises known

as 30 COVE WOODS ROAD, OYSTER BAY, NY 11771

Approximate amount of lien $3,490,130.38 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 618015/2023.

JOHN BOKLAK, ESQ., Referee McGovern & Amodio, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 2 William Street, Suite 306, White Plains, NY 10601 {* OYSTER BAY*} 156790

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Board of Education

Locust Valley CSD Administration Building 22 Horse Hollow Road Locust Valley, NY 11560

The Board of Education of the Locust Valley CSD, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York hereby

invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: Boiler, HVAC and Refrigeration Services/Repair/Installa tion - December 5, 2025 at 10:00 A.M

General Building

Maintenance involving new construction, reconstruction and demolition - December 5, 2025 at 10:30 A.M Electrical Services/Repair/Installa tion - December 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M Elevator Services/Repair/Installa tion - December 5, 2025 at 11:30 A.M

Sealed bids will be addressed to the attention of Erik Nakutavicius, Administration Building, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, until the times listed above at which time the proposals will be publicly read. All bids must be submitted in sealed

envelopes, bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder and the title of the bid in the lower left-corner. The specifications and bid forms for each may be secured on or after November 14, 2025 from the Director of Facilities Office, Administration Building, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 or by emailing mmoran@locustvalleys chools.org. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject all bids and to readvertise for new bids, or to waive technical defects, irregularities and omissions, when doing so is deemed, in its sole discretion, to be in the best interest of the School District.

Board of Education Locust Valley CSD By: Alison Dunne District Clerk 156561

Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect

nassau County Republicans scored outstanding victories in last week’s elections, which, with the other exception of our neighbors in Suffolk County, were a political disaster for Republicans across the country. And those Nassau victories didn’t come easily, or without tension. Anyone who has ever jumped into the political cauldron and run for elective office knows the surreal experience and anxiety of election night. Everything that could have been done has been done. It’s all over but the waiting — for either the joy of victory or the agony of defeat.

As is the tradition under county party Chairman Joe Cairo, Republicans held their electionnight gathering at the Coral House in Baldwin. The crowd began gathering about 8:30 p.m., a half-hour before the polls closed. Within an hour, the ballroom was filled to capacity. In a private room at the rear of the building, candidates and party leaders waited to receive and analyze vote tallies from the hamlets, villages, towns and cities that

comprise the nation’s oldest suburbs.

In the lead-up to election night, Nassau Republicans were as upbeat as they could be. The ticket was led by Bruce Blakeman, who was seeking re-election as county executive after a very successful first term. Blakeman had held the line on taxes and, most important, the county was judged the safest in America. Amid growing concern that the anti-police proposals of the favorite to become New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would increase the crossover crime from Queens into Nassau, Blakeman’s proven propolice, anti-crime policies had strongly resonated with the Nassau electorate. To buttress his strong law-and-order stand, there were District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a career prosecutor, and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, who stood 24/7 with his men and women in blue.

Tmore than an outside chance. Instead, barely an hour after the polls closed, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was declared the winner in what appeared to be a landslide. Not a good omen.

he election wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout that we anticipated.

But New Jersey would be different, we thought. Polls had shown Republican Jack Ciattarelli closing the gap on Democrat Mikie Sherrill (whom I’d served with in Congress). The final pre-election polls showed Sherrill with just a 2-point lead, and Ciattarelli having all the momentum. Instead, as soon as the state’s polls closed, Sherrill jumped to an immediate lead, which steadily grew.

was always a commanding presence at these moments, had not yet appeared. Shortly after 10 p.m., he entered the room, explaining that he was “under the weather” and been feeling rotten all day. He did, however, have numbers showing that with about 60 percent of the votes counted, Republicans were holding all our current offices, and might possibly pick up one or two more. There was a huge sigh of relief.

But all did not go smoothly on election night. The Nassau results came in slowly, so our attention was focused on the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia as possible indicators of what Nassau’s results might be. While the Virginia race had been expected to lean Democratic, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was thought to have

Then, just after 9 p.m., there was more bad news. Mamdani was headed to a clear victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference. In Nassau the votes were still barely trickling in, and all we could see was a blue wave everywhere. There was a feeling of foreboding about what might await us amid reports that the turnout in some Republican areas had been less than expected. This night wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout victory that had been anticipated.

Adding to the concern, Cairo, who

Cairo cautioned, though, that the night wasn’t over until all the votes were counted, saying, “There’s nothing more meaningless than the score at halftime.” About a half-hour later, he returned to announce that the Republican trend had continued. In fact, we had swept every contested seat on the City Council in Long Beach, where Democratic voters have a 7-1 majority, for the first time since 1971.

About 11:30, led by Blakeman and Cairo, Republicans made their way through the Coral House ballroom onto the stage to claim victory, to acknowledge the roaring crowd and to thank them for their efforts and support. Another election night was in the books. It wasn’t easy, but the blue wave had been stopped at the Nassau border!

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

Getting elected looks easy. Governing is the hard part.

The die is cast. New York City will have a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But it’s one thing to campaign for public office, and another thing altogether to run one of the biggest cities in the world, with a demanding populace and innumerable challenges. It reminds me of the Robert Redford movie “The Candidate.”

On the morning after he succeeds in winning his senatorial election, Redford’s character, Bill McKay, asks, “What do we do now?”

Having observed a number of mayoral contests, I feel qualified to opine on what first steps a new mayor must take that will make or break his years in office. While there are many positions that Mamdani must fill starting Jan. 1, the most important one is budget director. New York City has a somewhat shaky financial picture, and having someone who can crunch the numbers and package the spending plan will be life or death for him.

The next-most-visible job is that of police commissioner. The New York City Police Department currently has an intelligent and respected leader in Jessica Tisch, who has served with distinction since November 2024. Prior to that she was commissioner of the city Department of Sanitation, where she won the respect of union leaders, who admired her smarts and her approach to the job.

At this stage, Tisch has nothing new to prove. She works well with the police rank-and-file, and has never run afoul of law enforcement unions. She could easily take a job in the private sector and get a big pat on the back for a job well done. On the other hand, she may be willing to continue in the police commissioner’s job until such time as the mayor asks her to take some action that she finds objectionable.

M amdani, like Robert Redford’s Bill McKay, may wonder, ‘What do we do now?’

on departmental staffing levels. During the mayoral campaign, both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani pledged to hire 5,000 new patrolmen, a pledge easier made than accomplished. The city needs thousands of new police officers to replace the large number who have opted to retire in recent years, but building up the department isn’t an easy job. Because of the city’s low starting salaries, the pay is unattractive. Many current members of the department have decided to take jobs in the suburbs, where entry-level pay is typically much higher. A new mayor can make all kinds of promises, but the key to getting new cops is higher pay, and as few policy challenges as possible. An overbearing mayor with too many liberal policies will chill the force’s future.

I’ve heard a variety of views about Mayor Eric Adams’s record in office, and there’s no question that he has had a number of ethical issues. Key commissioners and their assistants have been forced to resign due to conflicts and questionable actions. His most ardent supporters claim that the ethics issues have been overstated, but the record is there for everyone to examine, and it doesn’t look good.

The path forward for the new mayor will be most challenging. He is a neophyte, and knows nothing about the city’s true challenges. If he chooses qualified people for his administration, their successes will speak for themselves. If he makes serious mistakes, the Republican establishment will broadcast to the entire world that “we told you so.”

Mamdani hasn’t offered many opinions on how the Police Department should operate, other than suggesting that mental health professionals should accompany officers on patrol on calls involving people with mental health issues. He hasn’t offered any opinions on such programs as Stop and Frisk, or

One of the city’s current weaknesses is its Law Department. The corporation counsel’s office is badly in need of staff to handle the thousands of challenges it faces annually. There are about a thousand people in the department, but because it’s understaffed, taxpayers wind up paying a price in lost cases.

Even though Nassau is a borderline county and Suffolk is even more distant, we need a New York City that has low crime rates and is fiscally sound. An old political sage once told me that “when New York City sneezes, Long Island catches a cold.” Let’s hope the adage doesn’t hold true.

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.

Hochul must sign police radio access bill

at a time when we are grappling with an erosion of public trust, a new threat to transparency is emerging. Across New York, police departments are encrypting their radio systems — cutting off journalists, and, by extension, the public, from critical, real-time information.

It’s not just a press freedom issue. It’s a public safety issue.

From Atlantic Beach to Babylon, Long Islanders deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, especially during moments of crisis — a school lockdown, a shooting or a natural disaster. Instead, we are increasingly forced to rely on rumor, fragmented updates or, worse, no information at all.

In the age of social media misinformation, that’s not just frustrating. It’s dangerous.

Fortunately, state lawmakers have passed a bill that seeks to reverse this perilous trend. The legislation, S.416/A.3516, sponsored by two Democrats in the Legislature, Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, would guarantee credentialed journalists secure, real-time access to encrypted police radio communications.

It is now on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk, awaiting her signature. She must sign it.

letters

Let’s hear about the other sides of Trump, Peter King

To the Editor:

I have always respected Peter King’s political opinions, although I may not have agreed with some of them. I especially appreciate his efforts in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s.

In his op-ed in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Trump has written the first chapter of a new Mideast history,” King praises President Trump, and rightly so, for his excellent work in bringing together a number of countries and leaders to bring an end to the horrific war in Gaza. Let’s hope it holds. Now, I hope King devotes a column to Trump’s actions (or lack thereof) and behavior as our “domestic” president. We are currently more than 40 days into a government shutdown in which military personal and federal workers are not being paid (but Congress is!), 42 million people have lost most of their SNAP benefits and health insurance prices will double in January. Surely our president could use his power — and he loves doing that — to bring solutions to these important issues. He could order his puppet, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the

For nearly a century, journalists have monitored police radio frequencies and alerted the public to developing emergencies. That’s how people on Long Island and beyond have learned about major accidents, crimes in progress and natural disasters. In some cases, lives have been saved thanks to timely, verified information reported by local media.

Now that lifeline is being cut off.

Proponents of encryption argue that it protects sensitive information and personal privacy. That’s a valid concern — but this legislation addresses it. Under the bill, access would be password-protected, monitored and limited to credentialed journalists. Reporters would not be able to transmit on the channels or interfere in any way. If anyone were to abuse the privilege, his or her access would be revoked. Critically sensitive communications would remain encrypted.

This is not about giving journalists a backstage pass to law enforcement. It’s about making sure the public isn’t left in the dark when seconds count.

We’ve already seen the consequences of delayed information. In Chicago, a delay in releasing police communications during a courthouse shooting in July prevented timely warnings to the

public.

Police departments that initially embraced full encryption are rethinking the policy. In 2022, the Palo Alto Police Department, in California, reversed its policy of encrypting police radio communications and restored real-time access for the public and the press. The reversal came after the department had encrypted its radio feeds in January 2021, citing a state memo that required the protection of personal identifying information.

New York should learn from that example. At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, blocking information — especially during emergencies — only fuels suspicion and confusion. It invites misinformation to fill the vacuum, and puts lives at risk.

Journalists are not adversaries of public safety. In many cases, they are its allies, helping to get accurate information to people who need it. Whether it’s a car crash that shuts down the Southern State Parkway or a threat that necessitates a school lockdown, the public has a right to know — and know quickly.

Hochul has long described herself as a defender of open government and transparency. Now she has a chance to prove it.

House, to reconvene Congress, negotiate and end this disgrace.

Also, I hope King will address the president’s manner and words in dealing with people. Shouldn’t a president try to unite people, and not mock and insult them, as he

has done on many, many occasions and probably will continue to do?

I look forward to those columns.

America settled the question of kings a long, long time ago. In fact, 2026 will mark our “America 250” celebration, the anniversary of our nation’s founding, when our forefathers collectively decided to replace the rule of one man with the will of the people.

This form of government is all most of us have ever known, and perhaps today it’s taken for granted.

In reality, the birth of this nation was a transformative moment in history. It was not only a physical revolution, in terms of a war, but a revolution of ideas, too. The rest of the world believed in the divine right of kings, and considered it impossible for everyday people to govern themselves. So our founding fathers spent years debating and carefully crafting a delicately balanced system that established individual rights, states’ rights and the limited role of a centralized, federal government as well. It was a tremendous balancing act, and a monumental achievement that

LeTTeRs

We need journalists now more than ever

To the Editor:

Your editorial in the Oct. 16-22 issue, “Real journalists, reporting real stories,” on the vital importance of journalism, resonated with me. I subscribe to three newspapers: the Herald, Newsday and the Daily News. I am a strong believer in the First Amendment, and the power and freedom of the press. We need you now more than ever.

The skepticism for the media lies in the current regime’s constantly labeling it “fake news.” It’s only “fake” when it doesn’t conform to the regime’s edicts. The man in the White House is unilaterally imposing his will, bullying universities, corporations, law firms and the press, and sending troops into states to suppress crime that doesn’t exist.

Our democracy is fragile. We must continue to use our voices and peacefully protest the eroding of our rights and freedoms, the inhumane treatment of non-criminal immigrants, and so much more, lest we become an autocracy. I will continue to support the press, and I thank you for your truth, integrity, honesty and hard work.

MARguERITE WESTBROOK Lynbrook

opinions

There are no kings here

changed mankind for the better, inspiring democracies around the world to this day.

So forgive me if I’m more than a little skeptical of the crowds gathered under the “No Kings” banner, who are so vehemently protesting kings that simply don’t exist — in many instances conflating civic engagement with partisan attack.

sLet’s set the record straight. We have a democratically and duly elected president who won the popular vote as well as the Electoral College, and carried every swing state. The peaceful transfer of power, no matter who wins, is the cornerstone of our democracy. The No Kings protests ignore that by challenging the legitimacy of the person in office, regardless of the election results.

2024 presidential election and unhappy with any actions taken by the current administration. By portraying a freely elected government as oppressive, organizers are trying to stir fear and suspicion — not with specific policy differences, but through a vague, emotional narrative.

o what are the protesters really upset about? Democracy itself.

It is this false narrative that is so corrosive — not just protesting policy, but the person. And while people are certainly within their rights to protest policies they dislike, it’s not acceptable to cloak that dissatisfaction in a lie.

So what are the No Kings protesters really upset about? Not a nonexistent king, but rather democracy itself. They are dissatisfied with the results of the

This isn’t real civic participation; it’s political theater. Protesting imaginary kings chips away at the trust we need in the very systems that protect our rights. And it’s a distraction from the real issues, like affordability, energy policy and public safety, that impact us New Yorkers and our families. Rather than fostering open discussion and debate, it’s far easier and politically expedient for these protest organizers to cast the opposition as authoritarian and hateful — in which case, anything the administration offers is immediately dismissed.

Make no mistake: The No Kings rallies did not spontaneously appear in our neighborhoods. They were “astroturfed” — carefully orchestrated to appear as grassroots efforts. While well-meaning people did indeed show up, deep-pocketed special interests professionally managed the message behind the pro-

FRAMewoRK by Tim Baker

tests. It was especially disappointing to see the League of Women Voters, an organization with a longstanding tradition of nonpartisanship, partner with such a clearly partisan effort. Their mission statement is “Empowering voters. Defending democracy,” yet in this case, they did neither. By lending their name and reputation to an event that was more about name-calling than dialogue, more about finger-pointing than civic engagement, the league made a conscious choice to step away from impartiality.

But that’s indicative of a larger problem. Increasingly, our schools of higher learning have replaced civic education with ideology. Classrooms that once taught how government works now blur that line with partisan activism that paints any opposition as hateful and authoritarian. That isn’t civic education; that’s political bullying. Rather than helping students participate in democracy and the free exchange of ideas, they teach them to throw rocks. And that’s a shame.

There are no kings here. There are only voters, laws and the reality that leadership changes not by inheritance, but by ballots. Those are ideas worth defending.

Jack Martins represents the 7th State Senate District.