Seaford Herald 10-02-2025

HERALD SEAFORD

Erik Lee/Herald

A dominant Homecoming

The MacArthur Generals took the field before last Saturday’s Homecoming game against Jericho, where they secured a 42-13 victory to improve to 2-1 on the season. Story, more photos, Page 4.

To

boldly go where STEM grows

District adds experienced educators to guide innovation

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

The Wantagh School District has added two new administrators to help expand its growing STEM programs, bringing extensive classroom and leadership experience to the community.

Jessica Ryan joins the district as supervisor of elementary STEM, while Christine Gill will serve as director of STEM for grades six through 12.

Ryan said she was drawn to the district’s commitment to student growth, noting that the administrative team works to ensure that teachers and students have the resources they need to

inspire learners to think critically as engineers and mathematicians.

“I’m really excited to be part of this team that really honors teacher knowledge and helps to promote growth in their instruction,” Ryan said.

“There’s an overarching vision of meeting the needs of the whole child — academically, socially and emotionally — and really making sure they’re real-world-ready.”

Gill, who will oversee secondary science, technology, engineering and math programs, said she was excited about the challenges ahead. She hopes to meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities, personalities and interests,

Their mission is to keep history alive

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

To honor the heroes who helped found the nation, the Jerusalem Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hung a banner at the Wantagh Museum on Sept. 20 — a year before America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The banner is meant to raise awareness of the approaching milestone in the country’s history.

“We’ve got to remind people about that, because we forget from dayto-day that that’s coming up,” Matt Susco, president of the Wantagh Preservation Society, said.

WWantagh’s Boy Scout Troop 96 also took part, helping to hang the banner on the fence in front of the museum.

e honor those heroes by keeping those stories alive.

The event opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem, followed by remarks from Kay Kenney, regent of the Jerusalem chapter. She said the nation’s founding was a time when brave men and women stood up for freedom to create a new nation, believing that people should have the right to choose their leaders and live with liberty and justice.

KAy KENNEy

Regent for Jerusalem Chapter of the

Daughters of the American Revolution

Joining members of the Jerusalem chapter — serving the Wantagh area — during the banner ceremony were local officials, including Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider and State Sen. Steve Rhoads, and members of the preservation society, which helps maintain the museum grounds, on Wantagh Avenue.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., is a nonpolitical women’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism. According to Kenney, education is key to remembering those who helped found the country.

“We honor those heroes by keeping those stories alive,” Kenney said. “We work to pro-

Continued on page 12

things to know about brendan o’Callaghan

Young musician selected for NYSSMA All-State festival

Wantagh High School senior Brendan O’Callaghan is taking his musical talents to the state stage. He has been chosen to perform at the New York State School Music Association’s All-State music festival in Rochester this December, a prestigious honor reserved for top student musicians.

— Charles Shaw

n Playing at the All-State Festival

Brendan will perform trumpet with the Symphonic Band at the festival, which runs from Dec. 4–7. The group will rehearse throughout the weekend and perform on the morning of Dec. 7 at Eastman Theatre under the direction of Dr. Courtney Snyder. In addition to performing, Brendan and his fellow musicians will attend workshops designed to enhance their skills and provide insight into professional-level music performance. Being part of the All-State festival is considered one of the highest honors for a high school musician in New York.

n Recognition through a competitive audition

Brendan earned his All-State spot through a highly competitive audition process. In the spring, he performed a Level 6 solo at Kellenberg High School, playing Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s “Trumpet Concerto” for judges. Only a select group of students from across New York are chosen each year, highlighting their dedication, skill, and musical talent. Brendan said he is “very grateful for this opportunity” and is excited to meet other high-caliber musicians from across the state while continuing to develop his abilities on the trumpet.

Long Island Heroes Celebration

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 | 8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M. The Heritage Club at Bethpage

For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon

more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.

n A versatile and accomplished musician

Since joining the band at Wantagh Elementary School, Brendan has steadily developed into one of the district’s top student-musicians. This year, he participates in the Brass Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pit Band, and Wind Ensemble. Brendan is also the student band president and serves as the pep band director. Beyond trumpet, he plays bass guitar, drums, piano, and sings. He performs with his school rock band, Half Hill Hotel, and plays taps at local events including 9/11 and Veterans Day ceremonies with the Wantagh American Legion.

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Irish fest returns with bagpipes and dance

The sounds of bagpipes, Irish step dancing, and traditional music filled Wantagh Park on Sept. 21 as the 53rd annual Nassau County Feis & Irish Festival drew hundreds of attendees. Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the daylong celebration honored Maureen Caffrey for her contributions to the Irish-American community.

The festival featured a wide range of activities for all ages, including Irish dance competitions, children’s games, Gaelic football, and an art contest. Vendors lined the park with Irish crafts, food, and cultural items, while bagpipers and traditional singers entertained the crowds throughout the day.

One highlight was the afternoon concert by the Brooklyn Bards, who performed on the bandshell stage. Earlier in the day, a Catholic Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m., followed by a presentation of the honoree at noon.

Families at the festival were eager to connect with Irish culture. Raffles and other fundraising activities also supported the event, which has become a longstanding tradition for Nassau County’s Irish community.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians emphasized the importance of preserving Irish heritage through music, language, and cultural programming. The festival has become a cornerstone of local celebrations,

bringing together residents from across Long Island each year to share in Irish pride.

For more information about the Feis & Irish Festival, or future events, visit NassauAOHFeis.com.

— Charles Shaw

Protecting Your Future

Taking Back Control with a Living Trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

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Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com

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Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

The Town of Hempstead will host its annual Rabies Vaccine Program and Pet Fair on Oct. 4 in Wantagh, offering free vaccinations, microchipping, and waived adoption fees for pets.

Town hosts rabies clinic and pet fair

The Town of Hempstead will host its annual Rabies Vaccine Program and Pet Fair on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

The event will offer free rabies vaccinations, microchipping, and pet adoptions.

Town Supervisor John Ferretti said the program reflects the town’s commitment to keeping residents and their pets safe and healthy.

“From free vaccinations and microchipping to waived adoption fees, this event is a win for pet owners, animal lovers, and the wonderful animals waiting for loving homes,” Ferretti said.

To receive free vaccines, dogs must

have a current license. Residents can purchase one on-site for unlicensed dogs with no pre-registration required. Licenses cost $10 for spayed or neutered dogs and $18 for non-spayed or non-neutered dogs. Owners must bring proof of spay/neuter if applicable.

Microchipping will also be available at no cost, providing pets with permanent identification if they are ever lost.

Adoption fees will be waived during the event. Each adopted pet will come with age-appropriate vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a microchip.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh.

Pedestrian injured after

An 85-year-old driver struck a pedestrian in North Merrick on the evening of Sept. 28, leaving the victim in critical condition, Nassau County police said.

According to detectives, the crash happened around 7:20 p.m., when the man was driving a 2005 Toyota Sienna eastbound on Jerusalem Avenue. The vehicle hit a 68-year-old man who was

being struck

crossing near the intersection of North Drive.

The pedestrian suffered head trauma and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Police said the driver remained at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

— Brian kacharaba

LUKE MARTINI WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL

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

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 3

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

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

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford 5

Football: Mepham at Glen Cove 6

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

Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.

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

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

Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.

Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

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

Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.

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

Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Clarke 3 p.m.

Football: Hewlett at Division 3 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.

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

Football: Floral Park at Elmont 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Post-game

Youthful MacArthur showing progress

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

A MacArthur football team full of newcomers is off to a 2-1 start and a couple plays away from being unbeaten entering the midpoint of the season.

The Generals, who returned just five starters from a year ago, moved above the .500 mark last Saturday with a commanding 42-13 homecoming win against Jericho a week after dropping a 24-21 heartbreaker at Mepham.

MacArthur jumped out to a 35-6 lead entering the fourth quarter against Jericho on the strength of a big rushing day from junior running back Ethan Shapiro, who finished with 155 yards and three touchdowns.

“He is a good hard runner,” longtime MacArthur head coach Bobby Fehrenbach said of Shapiro, who tallied two touchdown runs in a 36-0 season-opening win against Valley Stream Central.

MacArthur’s dominating win against the Jayhawks also featured two touchdown runs from junior quarterback Vinny Szucs, who had 21 yards on the ground. The defense was also strong with Danny Lopez and Garrett Thompson both recording interceptions while senior linebacker Caden Cullen produced a team-leading seven tackles.

The defense was also a force in the Generals’ dominant road victory against Valley Stream Central Sept. 13 producing two touchdowns on a Brian Lynch fumble recovery in the end zone and a Benny Arreago 62-yard interception return. Senior linebacker Thomas Murphy also had a fumble recovery in the opening game in which MacArthur led 16-0 at halftime before pulling away in the third quarter with 20 points.

The lone loss on the young season at Mepham was decided by a 29-yard field goal from Ryan Bayer with just under two minutes remaining that broke a 21-21 tie. The unbeaten Pirates then iced the game on a Tyler Gaskin interception.

Szucs shined in the passing game against Mepham throwing for 158 yards including a nine-yard touchdown toss to junior wide receiver Ryan Solomon. The

Lee/Herald Quarterback Vinny Szucs, No. 5, had two touchdown runs last Saturday as the Generals rolled over Jericho on homecoming day.

athletic Szucs, who was the varsity backup last season, also rushed for 31 yards on 12 attempts.

“He did a good job for his second variety start,” said Fehrenback of Szucs’ performance through the air and on the ground versus Mepham. “He had some good runs in addition to his passing and had a good game.”

MacArthur has a tall task ahead this Friday night at home against Garden City, which has won 57 straight games and not lost since the Long Island Class II championship game in 2019. The Generals then hit the road against New

Hyde Park and Calhoun before returning to Levittown to face Long Beach on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Fehrenbach said the upcoming Garden City serves as a measuring stick for his young team, which was seeded seventh in Conference II entering the season, as it continues to seek strides to become a playoff contender come November.

“We are just trying to get better each week regardless of the opponent, “Fehrenbach said. “From week one to week two even though we didn’t win the game we got better.”

Educators bring experience to STEM programs

while making the educational experience enjoyable for all of them.

“In a school district, there are so many key players that lead to the success of the student,” Gill said. “Our teachers are on the front line, but our administrators are giving them the tools they need to bring every student success.”

Ryan brings experience both in the classroom and in training fellow educators. She earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood education and math from Molloy College, now Molloy University, in 2007, followed by a master’s in elementary education in 2009 and a doctorate in educational leadership for diverse learning communities in 2023. She also holds certifications in school building and district leadership, and co-authored the book “Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Children’s Literature.”

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Ryan spent 18 years teaching fourth grade in the Lynbrook School District, and since 2013, she has been an adjunct professor at Molloy, teaching courses in professional development.

“It’s really important that our teachers are exposed to research-based professional development so that they can help inspire learners,” she said.

Her goals in the district include building relationships with stakehold -

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Jessica ryan joins the Wantagh district as supervisor of elementary Stem, bringing 18 years of classroom experience and a doctorate in educational leadership to support teachers and foster student growth.

ers, introducing research-based practices to teachers and advancing STEM programs.

Gill earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Scranton in 2010 and a master’s in secondary education the following year. She is a member of both the Association of Mathematics Supervisors of Long Island and the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors.

Gill has 14 years of experience as an educator, most recently as the director of math and business in the Deer Park

Christine gill, who will serve as director of Stem for grades six through 12, has 14 years of teaching and administrative experience, focusing on expanding research opportunities for students.

School District. She began her career as a high school math teacher in Brooklyn in 2011, moved to Southampton High School in 2014 as a math teacher and curriculum liaison, and then, starting in 2018, spent seven years in Deer Park. She added that her experience as both a teacher and an administrator had prepared her for her role in Wantagh. Working in administration helped her understand how to support teachers and students, and teaching, she said, gave her a firsthand appreciation for the guidance and resources administrators

provide.

“I’m a big proponent for supporting people,” Gill said. “As a teacher, it was always so helpful to have people in administration in your corner to help you be as successful as you can be.”

Gill said that Wantagh’s expanding STEM program was what drew her to the district. She is excited to work with students and teachers in computer science, robotics, Project Lead the Way — a hands-on, project-based program that develops real-world STEM skills — and the Science Research Academy, a fouryear program in which students conduct experiments in biology, chemistry and genetics and prepare their work for science competitions.

In Wantagh, Gill hopes to expand the computer science department and increase student participation in AP computer science courses, as well as introductory coding and cybersecurity classes.

“There’s a lot of innovation going on in the scientific world right now, with shifts in standards and instruction,” Gill said. “I’m eager to support the teachers and the students as we navigate those changes together.”

Ryan said she hoped students would become lifelong learners, just as she is. “I’ve never stopped taking classes,” she said. “Learning new things is so important, and I want that to be a trajectory for both our students and our teachers.”

Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.

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

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

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

tively with this group.”

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

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

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

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

Anne Petraro. founder and CEO of

The team is just over the moon.

CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alla Shenkman is the former medical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 returns to Jones Beach

The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon brought athletes from across the country to Jones Beach State Park on Sept. 20 for the third year in a row. Competitors took on a grueling 70.3-mile course, which included a 1.2-mile swim in Zach’s Bay, a 56-mile bike ride on the closed Wantagh Parkway, and a 13.1mile run along the Jones Beach Boardwalk.

Jason Quinn claimed first place with a time of three hours, 57 minutes and 54 seconds. He was followed by Benjamin Tuttle in second and Reilly Walsh in third.

Race organizers said the updated boardwalk finish line area added to the iconic energy of the event, giving athletes a memorable end to the competition.

— Charles Shaw

Town proposes 18 percent tax cut for 2026

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m intently focused on preserving

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

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

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

transparency from the town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing for nation’s semiquincentennial

tect history, teach others about it and serve our communities just as they did. This anniversary reminds us how important it is to stay true to our values.”

The organization also promotes education through essay contests that encourage students to explore American history. Wantagh has seen several local students excel in these competitions, including Giada Petrillo, who won a state-level essay contest on the Boston Tea Party in the eighth-grade category earlier this year, and her friend, Kate Stivali, who won at the state level in the seventh-grade category last year.

Thomas Watson, a trustee of the preservation society, said the banner is important not only to remind people of the upcoming anniversary but also to encourage reflection on what the nation’s history means to them.

“It makes people think about our history and when this all started, but it’s up to them to bubble it in their mind and think about what it means,” Watson said. “It’s not up to me to tell them what it means.”

The museum offers a hands-on look at the town’s history through three historic structures: the 1885 Wantagh Railroad Station, the 1912 parlor car and a recreated 1904 post office. The railroad station, restored to its 1904 appearance, features turn-of-the-century photo -

the Wantagh daughters of the american revolution and the Wantagh preservation Society hosted a Sept. 20 ceremony at the Wantagh museum, unveiling a banner commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

graphs and memorabilia. The parlor car showcases the elegance of early 20thcentury rail travel, while the post office provides a glimpse into daily life in rural Wantagh. Together, the buildings preserve the community’s past and provide visitors of all ages with a tangible connection to the town’s heritage.

Kenney said the banner serves as a

SHOW US YOUR GAME DAY!

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Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought to establish the nation, hoping it will inspire people passing by to take greater interest in American history. She added that partnering with the preservation society to display it at the museum makes the effort especially meaningful, because both groups share a mission of keeping the past alive for the community.

“Freedom, fairness and unity are not just ideas from the past — they’re goals we still work for,” Kenney said. “Let’s continue to share their legacy, lead with kindness and make sure future generations understand how much was sacrificed to give us the lives we have today.”

STEPPING OUT

Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops

By Karen Bloom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes:

‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roomful of Blues

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

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

2

Community Yizkor Service

Congregation Beth Tikvah hosts a Community Yizkor Service. Free and open to the community, led by Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum in the synagogue’s sanctuary.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

• Contact: RSVP by calling the office at (516) 785-2445

OCT

4

Seaford Chamber Oktoberfest

Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Oktoberfest at the Seaford LIRR station. With local breweries, food, entertainment with T-minus Ten and Arlington Drive, a kids’ fun zone, ice cream, and craft vendors.

• Where: Seaford LIRR Station

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: seafordchamberofcommerce.org

Oktoberfest

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Oktoberfest. With entertainment, food, and fun at the Town of Hempstead parking lot behind Boss Croker’s, Craft and Irish Poet.

• Where: TOH Parking Lot

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: WantaghChamber. wildapricot.org

Art explorations

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Noon-3 p.m.

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

OCT 5

Splish Splash… Animal Bath

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

OCT

16

Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’

growers and purveyors. Savor artisan, wood-fired pizza with seasonal Long Island farm-sourced ingredients and toppings grown at Old Westbury Gardens, paired with locally grown salads, desserts, and Long Island wines. Also participate in lawn games, and garden strolls during this festive autumn evening, along with entertainment. $125 family of four, $50 adult, $20 child. Reservations required. Held rain or shine.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

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

Whimsical

OCT

11

Wizard School

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

In concert

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

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Long Island

OCT

6

Choral Society

Auditions

Audition now and be part of something bigger, a bold,

inclusive future for choral music. The Long Island Choral Society holds its final auditions for new members for their 96th season. The 2025-26 season includes Let’s Go to the Movies, a celebration of choral music in film, Schubert’s Mass in G as well as Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other musical performance opportunities throughout the coming year. Auditions are by appointment only. Whether you’re a lifelong singer or just finding your voice, you belong here! Visit lics.org for more.

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

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

Bingo at Temple

OCT 8

B’Nai Torah Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Game time

OCT

9

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

Sculpture

Stroll

OCT

6

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for an hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 5-6 p.m.

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

Garden Harvest

Visit Old Westbury Gardens for a farm-to-table event with local food

Families are invited to Old Westbury Gardens for a wizarding adventure. It all begins the moment you’re sorted into one of the enchanted Nature Houses. Create your own wand, adding colors and decorations that reflect your style. Step into a magical herbology class, where you’ll discover the plants that inspire fantasy and design your own terrarium herb garden. Join wizard professors on a Wizard Quest through the gardens, solving riddles and uncovering hidden icons along the way. Celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, and enchanting surprises in the most magical way possible. For ages 5-10. Registration required. $18, $12 children.

• Where: The Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Fall Fest

OCT

12

Enjoy seasonal fun at Wantagh’s Fall Fest. With entertainment, food and more along Railroad Avenue and Grove Street.

• Where: Corner of Railroad Avenue and Grove Street, Wantagh

• Time: Noon–6 p.m.

• Contact: WantaghChamber. wildapricot.org

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.

HERALD

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, October 31, 2025

Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.

Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. 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: ekimbrell@liherald.com (No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted). Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.

• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.

Free tuition program for returning students

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Nassau Community College is joining a statewide initiative to make higher education more accessible for adults seeking to complete an associate degree. The program, SUNY Reconnect, offers free tuition to New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree.

Jerry Kornbluth, vice president for Community and Governmental Relations at Nassau Community College, said the program allows students to return to school without financial barriers, providing flexibility for full- or parttime study. Students must enroll in at least six credits per semester and can complete their degree within 10 semesters. A one-year leave of absence is allowed without losing eligibility.

For more information contact Ethan Kimbrell at ekimbrell@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x 313

trained workers entering the field.

Nassau Community College has seen strong interest in the program. For the fall semester, about 251 students enrolled, with roughly 224 documented in internal reporting. Preliminary data shows 71 percent of participants are female, largely reflecting concentrations in nursing and education, and the largest age group is 25 to 34. About 60 percent attend part-time, while 40 percent attend full-time.

students can get a two-year degree for free, that’s huge.

JERRy KORNBLuTH

vice president, Community and Governmental Relations

“This is a really solid program,” Kornbluth said. “It’s designed for students returning to college after time away, giving them an opportunity to pursue high-demand careers while balancing work and family.”

SUNY Reconnect focuses on fields where workforce demand is high, including nursing, healthcare, cybersecurity, health information technology, and teacher education. Kornbluth said these areas were chosen because current professionals are retiring or there are not enough

Students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive financial support. Kornbluth said the program provides an economic boost to the state by helping adults earn degrees without accruing debt.

“If students can get a twoyear degree for free, that’s huge,” Kornbluth said. “It opens doors to jobs, career advancement, and the option to continue toward a four-year degree if they choose.”

Kornbluth, who previously taught mathematics and statistics at Nassau Community College and rose to full professor before moving into administration, noted the initiative could expand to additional degree programs in the future if successful.

SUNY Reconnect is available at all SUNY community colleges, and a parallel program exists at CUNY community colleges.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2026

WHEREAS, on the 22nd day of September, 2025, pursuant to Sections 105 and 181 of the Town Law the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Seaford Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on Monday, October 20, 2025 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Headquarters Building located at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 20, 2025 so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing.

NOW, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Seaford Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2026 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 20, 2025 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the Seaford Fire District Secretary at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours. In addition, a copy of the proposed budget is posted on the fire district’s website and copies of the proposed budget will be available for those in attendance on the night of the said hearing.

NOW, therefore, BE IT

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Seaford Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on Monday, October 20, 2025 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Headquarters Building located at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the

aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Seaford Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Seaford Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said resolution and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same on Monday, October 20, 2025 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Headquarters Building located at 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York. Dated: September 22, 2025

Seaford, New York BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SEAFORD FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST:

MICHAEL R. FORAN FIRE DISTRICT SECRETARY 156012

Kasschau, Esq, Referee

Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-000890 87368 155982

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST MARK VAUGHAN, CASEY VAUGHAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 8, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 3982 Kingsberry Road, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Plainedge-Wantagh, partly in the Town of Oyster Bay and partly in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 450, Lot 19A & 19B. Approximate amount of judgment $433,510.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008440/2015. Original Sale date: September 17, 2025. Jared

U.S. Bank National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Trustee for the RMTP Trust, Series 2019-C, Plaintiff AGAINST David Hoskin a/k/a David A. Hoskin; Ann Hoskin a/k/a Anna C. Hoskin; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 22, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1967 Russell Court, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 57 Block: 06001 Lot: 63 and 64. Approximate amount of judgment $606,487.45 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614367/2018. Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 21-03542NY 86875 155745

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS COLLATERAL TRUST

TRUSTEE OF FIRST KEY MASTER FUNDING 2021-A COLLATERAL TRUST, -againstBERNARD

MONTPEIROUS, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on July 2, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK

TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS COLLATERAL TRUST TRUSTEE OF FIRST KEY MASTER FUNDING 2021-A COLLATERAL TRUST is the Plaintiff and BERNARD MONTPEIROUS, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 21, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 2181 HORTENSE AVENUE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; tax map identification 57-164-93; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 616346/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155777

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-2 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-2, Plaintiffagainst - ELIOT PARISI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 6, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court

Broncos celebrate start of new season

Town and county officials joined community members at the Seaford Broncos Opening Day Ceremony on Sept. 6 at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford. The event brought together local leaders, friends and neighbors to celebrate the start of the new season.

Public Notices

Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 23rd day of October, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Seaford, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 2871 Shore Road, Seaford, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11783. (SBL#: 63-71-144)

Approximate amount of lien $1,086,901.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 010753/2015. Michael Joseph Sepe, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

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

Dated: August 25, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 155853

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -against-

AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 28, 2024, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL MARRON, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 27, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 2608 ISLAND CHANNEL ROAD, SEAFORD, NY 11783; tax map identification 63-261-604 & 805; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 609978/2022. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155920

place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000

Stunning Home, Great Location

Retail Space For Rent

Real Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

GREENPORT: North Fork. Prime Main Street location. Historic Captains' house. Original floors and moldings. Suitable for: retail, gallery, office, tasting room. $3,700/month. Call 516-241-8135.

This custom built brick Colonial home invites you in through a grand foyer, leading to a gracious living room and formal dining room, with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. The huge gourmet kitchen with Caesarstone countertops and stainless steel appliances adjoins a sunlit breakfast room, while off to the side is the casual den with a fireplace, and a half bath. Upstairs you'll find a fabulous primary en-suite, with closets galore & a 4-fixture bathroom, plus a second en-suite, 2 more bedrooms, and a third full bath. At the garden level is a second den, an office, a full bath, a utility room with lots of room to work on hobbies, a mechanical room and a store room. The enticing back yard features a wonderful large multi-level deck. There are 2 central air conditioning systems, a full house generator, and a sprinkler system. This beauty is convenient to everything, beach, shopping, restaurants and public transportation.

The challenges of building next to open water

Q. We were given two options for building a new building next to a saltwater bay where there are great views. The first option is to build a wood building with siding, and the second is to build a metal building that comes in a kind of kit form, with the option to have the company selling the parts also assemble the building. Which type would you recommend, considering the salt spray we will get, and will we need helical piles in the ground? We were told that we could just build on a 6-inch concrete slab.

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

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

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

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

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

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

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

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

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

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

Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

al concessions to Putin).

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established

Protecting Long Island from invasive species

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

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

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

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

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

letters

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

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

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

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

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

To the Editor:

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

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

And voters in those European cities seem quite satisfied with the performance of their progressive mayors. London’s Sadiq Khan was elected to an unprecedented third term last year by an 11-point margin over a Conservative Party opponent.

Paris’s Anne Hidalgo won a second six-year term in 2020 by 15 percentage points over a conservative rival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urban crime rates are difficult to measure in France because such

opinions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LeTTers

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

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

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

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

KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

The fight against smoking isn’t over

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

was hogwash. He swore it wasn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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