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One-month-old Connor
Joseph Grogan celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in his Irish sweater and cap. Joseph is the son of Elizabeth and Brian Grogan, and Brian is a member of the Valley Stream Fire Department.
Joseph’s grandparents are Steve and Jane Grogan, of Lynbrook, and Bill and Margaret Hill, of Baldwin.
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The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is considered one of the most comprehensive, bipartisan gun safety measures to come out of Washington in decades, and with it comes a grant component that will provide Valley Stream District 30 with $1.4 million to improve student safety and mental health support.
The legislation, signed into law in 2022, bolsters background checks for gun buyers, expands community violence intervention programs and beefs up nationwide funding for mental health and school safety.
The grant component comes as particularly
good news for Valley Stream District 30 and dozens of other school districts like it. Under the law’s federal funding program mechanism— known as the “Stronger Connections Grant Program” —$69 million will be shared among 44 school districts and charter schools across the state, according to the state education department.
It’s an influx of investment only three other school districts on Long Island — Brentwood, West Hempstead, and Huntington — have been selected to receive. All of which have been identified as high-need schools.
As outlined by the U.S. Department of Education, the scope of projects that the funds are
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The Valley Stream Republican Club’s big night belonged to Noreen Carro, the club’s Person of the Year.
The March 15 ceremony was an occasion to turn the spotlight on the praiseworthy deeds of a Valley Stream resident, Republican or otherwise. This year, as in years past, there was a packed house at the banquet hall of the American Legion Post 854 where residents and Republican dignitaries gave a warm reception to Carro.
family business.
Banking on his experience as a pressman and foreman, according to the company’s website, Luis bought a used printing press for $125 in 1971, setting in motion the couple’s aspirations to set up their family printing business.
I mean, how many people can say I have been working, living, and doing business in Valley Stream for 45 years?
NoReeN CARRo co-owner, LMN Printing
Carro, a lifelong Valley Stream resident, is co-owner of LMN Printing. The certified women’s and minority-owned printing service company was originally the brainchild of Carro’s parents Luis and Marry Carro. Natives of Puerto Rico, the Carro family came from humble beginnings with an even humbler origin story to their
“We started out making raffle books,” said Carro. But to get the business off the ground and make it selfsustaining while maintaining a household required hours upon hours of work.
“My father worked three jobs,” said Carro.“He had the printing company and worked two other jobs until we were able to get established. My mother worked at Eastern Mills in the day to be able to help us, you know, keep the house.”
There were times, as a girl, when Carro and her sisters were treated to pancakes for dinner, not knowing their family couldn’t afford meat that
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Check signing is a basic feature of financial transactions that goes back centuries. But when done wrong, it can invite a host of legal ramifications and leave people vulnerable to fraud and financial theft.
Earlier this month, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released an audit report underscoring the reality of those consequences after finding that Valley Stream District 13 legally mishandled the signing of hundreds of district checks.
The audit, performed by the comptroller, identified dozens of non-payroll checks amounting to millions of dollars that were signed off by the district’s board treasurer, Brian Cleary, using an unauthorized electronic signature.
In particular, auditors discovered that Cleary, the man responsible for signing all of the district’s checks and keeping stewardship over its funds, electronically signed his name on checks without legal approval from the Board of Education. In addition, over 600 additional checks, signed remotely and totaling $4.8 million, were flagged for being mismanaged.
While the checks issued between July 2021 and June 2023 ostensibly served “legitimate district purposes,” the comptroller’s findings concluded that
the treasurer had shirked his duty in maintaining proper supervision over the use of his electronic signature. An oversight which, the report warned, opens the door for bad actors to defraud and take advantage.
“When the Treasurer does not maintain control of his electronic signature,” the comptroller wrote, “the chances of unauthorized checks being signed increases.”
That wasn’t the only glaring lapse of bureaucratic judgment auditors found. A former Board of Education member, whose name was undisclosed, was not removed from the list of eligible check signers, and the signatures of newly appointed board members were not updated in the district’s bank accounts. Again, the comptroller reiterated these errors leave the district financially exposed.
The report’s answer to the district’s oversight failures boiled down to simple improvements:
n Authorize the use of an electronic signature.
n Maintain custody of the Treasurer’s electronic signature and supervise its use.
n Ensure the District’s bank always has the current appointed check signers on record.
Neither Superintendent Judith LaRocca nor Board of Education President Jennifer Oliveri could be reached directly to answer the Herald’s questions and was instead referred to the district’s response letter to the comptroller’s report. In it, district officials largely agreed with the comptroller’s findings and tackled his issues point-by-point by updating or promising to update its financial protocols.
“The District passed a resolution at the Board meeting held on December 19, 2023, authorizing the District Treasurer and any other necessary District officers to electronically sign checks on behalf of the District, such as by a machine or check signer device,” wrote Gerard Antoine, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Human Resources. “It has also been recommended to the District Policy Committee to develop a policy to govern the use of electronic signatures.”
Elder law estate planning provides for (1) your care in the event you become disabled as you age, and who will be in charge of that care, and (2) the passing of your assets on death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. These are the five steps to creating such a plan.
Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.
Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly, including
saving legal fees and taxes.
Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.
Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.
Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.
Herald file photoDespite the downpour, hundreds of people, including those from Valley Stream, braved the wet weather to line the streets of Rockville Centre on a soggy Saturday afternoon, marking the village’s 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade was definitely another memorable one this year,” remarked Jackie Kerr, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. “And while the rain certainly lowered attendance numbers this year, our diehard supporters were out in full force.”
Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, participants from various sectors of the community, including firefighters, elected officials, local businesses, and organizations celebrating Irish heritage, proudly donned green attire and joined in the festivities.
Parade Grand Marshal Greg Schaefer, president and CEO of the Better Home Health Care Agency, initiated the proceedings at noon. Schaefer, 49, has been at the helm of an agency serving the South Shore of Long Island since 1987, boasting a staff of over 500 employees. His leadership has established Better Home Health Care as a premier provider of home health care in its served counties.
A stalwart member of the community, Schaefer has served on the St. Patrick’s Day Committee for a decade and previously held the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2017. As the youngest grand marshal in parade history, he joins the esteemed ranks of past community figures such as Bishop John McGann, NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, and Mayor Francis X. Murray.
The parade, co-founded by Francis “Bud” Cosgrove and Joe Kelly in 1997, has evolved into one of the largest and most supported events of its kind outside of New York City. Affectionately known as “the parade that cares and shares,” the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Committee has contributed over $1.6 million to more than 75 charitable organizations worldwide.
Leading up to the parade, the committee hosts several fundraising events to benefit three distinct charitable organizations— one local, one national, and one Irish-focused. This year’s beneficiaries include Beyond the Badge, the Limb Kind Foundation, and the Crocus Cancer Support Centre in County Monaghan, Ireland, addressing critical issues such as mental health awareness among first responders, prosthetic care for children, and cancer survivor support.
“We’re very thankful for the collaboration with the Mayor’s office and the RVC Police Department, who helped ensure a safe event for all,” Kerr expressed gratitude. “And we’re especially grateful to the parade committee and the RVC community.”
Some kids, though not all, can suffer the lonely sting of sitting alone at the lunch table. Valley Stream District 13’s Wheeler Avenue Elementary School recently observed “No One Eats Alone Day,” a heartwarming display of inclusivity and camaraderie. During this special day, students ensured that every classmate felt in good company during their lunchtime in hopes of fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the school community.
Lunchtime was filled with fun icebreakers that allowed students to learn more about each other while enjoying their meals. Fifth- and sixth-grade students actively participated in the event by writing down ways they could make new connections with one another, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding.
Beyond Differences, a leading organization dedicated to inspiring students nationwide and ending social isolation supported Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s initiative. Beyond Differences’ mission to create cultures of belonging for everyone through their transformative social-emotional learning resonated with
Wheeler Avenue School students partnered with Beyond Differences to make lunchtime inclusive.
the school’s values of inclusivity and empathy.
In partnership with Beyond Differences, Wheeler Avenue Elementary School received stickers and bracelets as tokens of encouragement and unity. These small gestures served as a reminder of the power of kindness and compassion.
–Juan Lasso
The Valley Stream Central High School District’s brand-new robotics club for the 2023-2024 school year is tinkering away in constructing its first robot. The club was created to allow students to flex their STEM skills while gaining a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
to take part in this new offering in the district, and their goal for the remainder of the school year is to build their first robot, with competitions in store for the following school years. The students meet bi-monthly, and the club is located in the district’s brand-new auto repair career
The Hofstra baseball team missed out on a chance to defend its conference title last year and is fueled for a return to the championship stage in late May this spring.
After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history during a magical 2022 season, the Pride bats were driven back to earth in 2023 with an eighth-place finish that left the team just short of qualifying for its league’s sixteam double-elimination tournament held Memorial Day weekend.
This season the Pride were picked ninth in the 12 team Coastal Athletic Association and is looking to prove the doubters wrong to have an opportunity to once again compete for the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAAs.
“We got off to a slow start and then towards the end of the season we started playing better and we just missed out on making the tournament,” said third-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player from 1997 to 2010 with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. “It’s a motivating factor for not only the coaching staff, but also for the student athletes to be ready to play these games.”
Hofstra began the 2024 season with two narrow losses to then 14th-ranked Virginia before taking two of three from Liberty and New Mexico on the road the following two weekends. The Pride entered the start of CAA with two close losses at Columbia and Fordham.
Senior catcher Matt Pelcher, a Merrick native, has emerged as one of Hofstra’s leading hitters this season with a .328 average entering the CAA schedule. Pelcher, who played high school baseball at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, hit a home run in an 10-8 season-opening loss at Virginia and went 3-for-4 in a narrow 3-2 defeat at St. John’s on March 8.
“He’s made big strides with his swing and has really bought into what we’ve been teaching,” said Catalanotto of
Pelcher, who registered an RBI double in Hofstra’s 12-8 loss at Columbia on March 19. “He’s a big part of what we do and his versatility helps us out quite a bit.”
Pelcher is among four starters hitting above .300, including sophomore Dylan Palmer at a team-leading .450 starting the conference schedule. He earned Second Team All-CAA and CAA All-Rookie honors as a freshman. Senior outfielder Alex McCoy and graduate student third baseman Santino Ross are also shining offensively so far with .364 and .386 batting averages, respectively.
Catalanotto is also hoping two of his other top hitters, Will Kennedy and Steve Harrington, can produce during the CAA schedule after hitting slumps in March.
The pitching staff is led by senior Michael O’Hanlon, who recorded seven strikeouts in a 9-1 victory against Manhattan College on March 15. O’Hanlon
has stepped into the ace role after serving as the closer the last two years.
The Pride has a number of pitching options out of the bullpen including Rockville Centre native Danny Kelleher, a former South Side High School standout who tossed three scoreless innings in a 9-6 loss at New Mexico on March 3. Catalanotto is hoping Kelleher can continue to make strides on the mound and live up to his full potential.
“He’s been doing a good job and he’s gotten much better from last year,” Catalanotto said of Kelleher. “He’s throwing a lot of two seam fastballs that sink and also a good change-up so he’s keeping the ball down and getting ground balls.”
Another local arm on the roster is freshman Nick Apollo, who earned All-
County accolades at Seaford High School last year and led the Vikings to a county title. The versatile Apollo, who Catalanotto sees potential in for a strong future, received playing time at first base in a 17-6 loss to Manhattan on March 16.
Hofstra travels to longtime CAA foe Towson this weekend before hosting Delaware in another critical three-game conference series from April 5-7. The CAA regular schedule concludes at home against Monmouth on May 18 before the conference tournament commences from May 22-28 at UNC-Wilmington.
“It’s a really tough conference,” Catalanotto said of the CAA, which added last year’s 22nd-ranked team Campbell this season. “We are going to have to bring our best every single game.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Happy Easter to you and your families! Thank you for your love for the inspired Word of God. Thank you for your love for the Resurrection appearances of our Lord in this Easter season and the way your lives are set on fire in your meditation and contemplation of these mysteries.
Thank you for your fidelity to the Eucharist and the Sunday Mass and your Catholic spirit of evangelization. Thank you for being instruments of Eucharistic Revival.
In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis states:
storms of history” and we rely on the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds in Ukraine, the Middle East, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the region of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Sudan, as well as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and so many other troubled areas of the world. We ask the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds experienced in our own country.
“Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated the world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force...Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history ... Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power.” (276)
In The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton captured the power of our Lord’s Resurrection experienced in the cycles of history. He wrote: “Christendom has had a series of revolutions and in each one of them Christianity has died. Christianity has died many times and risen again; for it had a God who knew the way out of the grave.”
This Easter and every Easter we celebrate this Everlasting Man who knew his way out of the grave and who invites us and the Catholic Church on Long Island to a great Resurrection.
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,
Ex Chief Ronald Garofalo and Ex Chief James Murphy join Rev. Dr. Jeffrey L. Hooker, center, outside Valley Stream Fire Department headquarters to hand a $900 check for the department’s Burn Fund.
In a warm display of community spirit, Valley Stream residents rallied together during the recent Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, hosted by Grace United Methodist Church. After a brief hiatus, the event made its comeback this year, bringing neighbors together to savor delicious pancakes in the spirit of fellowship, all while supporting a cause close to home. This year’s fundraising efforts focused on donating to the Valley Stream Fire Department Burn Fund, established in memory of Chief John Tate and Chief Mike Moran, who perished in the line of duty in the Temple Fire.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and the dedicated efforts of volunteers, a total of $900 was raised during
the evening. This fund, currently at $100,000, serves as a lifeline for both the Valley Stream Fire Department and the broader community, offering aid for individuals impacted by burn-related injuries.
“We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support demonstrated by our community,” said Rev. Dr. Jeffrey L. Hooker, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church and a dedicated Valley Stream Fire Department firefighter and Chaplain. “Events like these not only bring us together in fellowship but also enable us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need right here in the Village of Valley Stream.”
–Juan Lasso
An advocacy group determined to save local news in New York rallied in Albany in an effort to bring more lawmakers to their cause.
The Empire State Local News Coalition — a statewide advocacy group of more than 150 local news outlets — joined elected officials at the state capital last week to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.
OThe bill — sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner — is intended to provide tax credits to local news outlets that employ journalists in their communities. HoylmanSigal joined the rally, along with colleagues like Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, state Sen. Monica Martinez, and Assemblyman David Weprin.
ur local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.
“This is a full-blown crisis,” HoylmanSigal told those who gathered for the rally in the halls of the capital building. “We live in a deliberative democracy. That means our voters need to be informed to make wise choices. How are they informed? Largely through local news.”
The senate included the Local Journalism Sustainability Act in its One House budget resolution, which organizers describe as a major sign of the bill’s growing support in the legislature.
Both the senate and the Assembly release preliminary One House budgets in response to the governor’s own preliminary budget, which was released earlier this year. The state’s final budget is due April 1, and policies in the final budget almost always must be in one of the three preliminary budgets.
“It is time that New York state steps up and supports one of the most important industries — not just to our economic well-being, but to our democracy,” Hoylman-Sigal said. “The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, which is part of the senate One House budget, will assist in that regard.”
The rally was intended to signal growing pressure on lawmakers to offer much-needed benefits to the local news industry, which has experienced a significant downturn over the past two decades.
The state has lost hundreds of newspapers since 2004, resulting in the loss of not only thousands of jobs, but also thousands of stories that helped keep communities informed. In fact, there are a growing number of communities with little to no access to local newspaper coverage, according to coalition officials. More than a dozen New York counties are down to just one newspaper.
Capped at $20 million statewide, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act is a bill with bipartisan support that provides payroll tax credits for the employment of local news journalists.
News organizations would receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of each newsroom employee’s salary — up to $200,000 per outlet.
The benefit would be limited to print and online newspapers and broadcasters, with 100 employees or less, that cover local community news. This, sup-
porters say, ensures that only truly local news outlets will qualify for this assistance.
“Someone once said that ‘newspapers are the textbooks of democracy, and the lifeblood of freedom,’ and that’s a responsibility newsrooms like ours take very seriously,” said Michael Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers, which employs more than 30 journalists across 24 newspapers on Long Island and in New York City.
“Communities depend on their local newspaper, because there is nowhere
else you’re going to get the news about and for your neighborhood, written by someone who knows your neighborhood. Time and time again, it’s been proven that the best communities in America are communities with a strong, local newspaper. And if we don’t do something now, those great communities will be lost to history.”
But in order for this particular bill to move forward, it needs to be supported not just by the senate, but also by the Assembly and by Gov. Kathy Hochul, so that it is included in the final state budget.
“The fight to save local news is a fight to save our democracy,” said Zachary Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications — the parent company of Herald Community Media.
“Hometown newspapers deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. As local news declines, critical stories are lost, and communities become more polarized.
“We’re proud to have the senate’s support, and we call on Gov. Hochul and the Assembly to support this industry-saving bill and protect critical newsroom jobs.”
Michaelle Solages says she’ll continue to push for the bill’s inclusion in the final state budget with her colleagues in the Assembly.
“We’re continuing our work on Long Island making sure the local story — the story that matters to individual New Yorkers — are heard,” Solages said. “But we really need to make sure we are investing into our community, investing into local journalism, and combatting this growing social media that is spreading misinformation.
“Our local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.”
The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is starting to take form in Eisenhower Park.
The temporary 34,000-seat venue will serve as one of the hosting locations for the 2024 International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place this June in locations that also include Florida, Texas and the West Indies. And Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized Eisenhower Park’s involvement by joining ICC officials and renowned professional cricketers at a parade last week to officially bring the World Cup’s trophy “home.”
The trophy was displayed underneath an American flag arch, set up by the East Meadow Fire Department, and escorted by the Nassau County Police Department, dozens of emergency vehicles, bagpipers, and the county’s mounted unit to the stadium site.
“We are in the process of constructing this beautiful stadium that will be here for the duration of the tournament,” Blakeman said. “It’s going to be a great venue for everybody to enjoy cricket. There’ll be so many countries that will be here with their teams — we will have fans from all over the world.”
Eight games are slated for Nassau over the course of 12 days. Eisenhower Park will actually host one of the most highly anticipated games of the tournament — India vs. Pakistan — which both consistently fielding some of the best cricketers in the game.
The Cricket World Cup is the third-most popular sporting event across the globe, only behind the FIFA World Cup and the Tour de France.
“We call it the Super Bowl on steroids,” Blakeman said.
The stadium was designed by Populous, an architec-
At the construction site of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park, Ali Khan, a professional cricketer on Team USA, spoke about the excitement surrounding the Cricket World Cup in June. The tournament’s trophy traveled to stadium last week in a ceremonious parade.
ture firm also responsible for creating Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and the UBS Arena, among others. The initiative is privately funded, and the stadium is being built in the open space behind the park’s aquatic center, adjacent to Field 6.
Tickets for games have been hard to obtain, but ICC officials say fans may still be able to secure some.
“The levels of interest in being part of the event are huge, with more than 3 million ticket applications in
the initial ballot,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s chief executive said. “I’m delighted to confirm today that we’ve worked closely with our partners to release more tickets to 51 of the 55 games of the event.”
For those unable to purchase tickets, Blakeman says the county will set up watch parties in various locations details of which will be announced at a later date.
Allardice also thanked the county and Blakeman for their support, saying the ICC had “found a true partner” that supports the council’s “vision and ambition.” The stadium had originally been planned for the Bronx, but moved to Nassau County after considerable resistance from neighbors surrounding Van Cortlandt Park there.
“It’s fantastic to stand here today and see our vision come to life,” Allardice said.
Ali Khan, a Pakistani-born American cricketer who plays for the United States, says he’s excited about returning home for the upcoming games.
“It’s really good to be here in Nassau County this morning — good to see all the people coming out,” Khan said. “We cannot wait to take the field here.”
Team USA will compete against India on June 12 in Eisenhower.
“That’s going to be a huge game for us as a host country,” Khan said. “I wish (that) a lot of people come, especially local supporters. Get your tickets now and come support your home team, Team USA.”
As part of county’s negotiations with the ICC, the stadium will be disassembled after the tournament, but the state-of-the-art cricket field will be left in place, along with practice facilities in Cantiague Park in Hicksville.
Local cricket teams and leagues will be able to use the fields when the tournament ends.
“Cricket,” Blakeman said, “is here forever now.”
Jordan Vallone/HeraldContinued from page 1
meant to support is left intentionally broad but must generally make inroads on issues the federal law was intended to improve — safety and health, as well as curbing bullying, violence, and hate in schools.
Valley Stream administrators and stakeholders have until Sept. 2026 to decide what project, or projects, they intend to pursue with the funding.
Bold steps for better support services
Valley Stream District 30 intends to spend its cash through an initiative, aptly named the Family-School-Community Partnership. The district aims to shore up its social service resources and expand its community support tools.
“The Stronger Connection Grant will enhance our efforts to build strong family-school-community partnerships, which have been shown to improve student success,” said Superintendent Roxanne Garcia-France.
In more concrete terms, the program will hire a team of social workers, school counselors, and a “Community Services Information Assistant.”
“These team members will work closely with our Director of Special Services, school psychologists, and nurses to offer a comprehensive integrated approach to supporting our families in meeting the diverse and unique needs of their children,” said Garcia-France.
Plans are also in place to establish a Family-School-Community Resource Center to offer resources and workshops on how families can best meet the individual academic and social-emotional needs of their students.
And, in the interest of ensuring relevant stakeholders are involved in the process, a committee, known as the District-Wide Family-School Committee, will be formed. Their discussions will revolve around moving the needle on a wide range of issues including improving school attendance, building a better understanding of family-community
issues by staff members, and promoting an overall improved quality of life for families.
Garcia France noted that once the district gets the green light from the Grants Finance Unit, which has the final say on all projects, the district will “promptly begin implementing our plans.”
The extra federal money comes as a source of relief to Valley Stream District 30 at a time when millions of federal funding dollars pumped into school districts from the pandemic are fizzling
Those school districts eligible for the federal grant program met the following criteria from the New York State Department of Education:
■ A minimum of 40 percent of students are eligible for free meals based on direct certification through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid through the Community Eligibility Program, or district submission of such data for students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.
■ A minimum of 10 percent of the student population is chronically absent.
away, and, invariably, spending has been hemmed back in school districts across Long Island this budget season.
In Valley Stream, districts have gone from pouring cash into big improvement projects and new programs to an expected return to budgeting for the bare essentials.
week.
At first, Carro admitted she wanted no part in the business and wouldn’t make it easy for the family to bring her into the fold.
“They dragged me in,” she admitted.
But after her father died in 1996, the time had come for her and her three sisters to take the reins, which they did. And despite her initial gritted teeth, Carro took naturally to the networking side of the business and has never looked back. Under their sibling leadership, the company grew from a small printing start-up to a modern-day printing emporium with two current locations: one in Florida, and the other in Valley Stream.
A family legacy, a community anchor
Specializing in digital and offset printing, the company is a one-stop spot for printing items of all sizes, from the smallest of labels, noted Carro, to large-sized banners and posters. Operating for over half a century, it’s earned a rock-solid reputation for quality service, which has garnered a loyal cadre of business clients, large and small.
Notably, the company is contracted to make posters and custom forms for airlines at John F. Kennedy Airport.
Carro, who heads the printing company’s New York branch, has played no small part in LMN’s success. As the networking face of the company, she has deepened its business ties with Valley Stream’s local business scene and beyond.
She sat as the president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and currently sits as the Vice President of the John F. Kennedy Chamber of Commerce. Her talent for making business connections has also
allowed her to reach women and minority entrepreneurs as a mentor. Something she feels naturally called to do.
“Even though it’s a changed world, women, especially young women, need mentorship to teach them about philanthropy and entrepreneurship, to show them that they can be even better than what they are today,” she said, who often lets worthwhile entrepreneurs shadow through her hectic work schedule and write them recommendation letters.
While Carro has found enduring success as a prominent small business owner, it hasn’t been a blemish-
free undertaking. She’s guided her business through the rises and falls of the printing industry and the family’s fortunes: adapting to technological shocks, the downturn of the pandemic, and even, the death of a sibling.
Yet the lasting relationships she’s forged through her business, she says, are the fuel for her perseverance.
“Having my business here and having it be accepted and a staple in this town is wonderful,” said Carro. “I mean how many people can say I have been working, living, and doing business in Valley Stream for 45 years? I mean that’s incredible.”
Everyone has a golden ticket to the Chocolate ExpoBy Danielle Schwab
or the love of chocolate, there’s a sweet treat awaiting everyone at this year’s Chocolate Expo.
The popular event — proclaimed as one of the largest chocolate showcases in the United States — is back, ready to tantalize all on April 14.
Chocoholics will delight in the day-long food paradise. An array of 90-plus vendors — including those representing Long Island, New England and even international purveyors — will share their sweet and savory wares with the public during this unique food-centric festival at the David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.
Robert Neary honors an icon with a tribute show like no other. With more than 35 years as a Broadway, television and film actor, Neary brings a special flair to his tribute show. With his powerful presence, from the moment he struts on stage wearing trademark black, gray, and silver sequined jacket, Neary, uncannily resembles Neil Diamond at the height of his touring career in the ‘90s and 2000s. His wit and mannerisms on stage are spot on, especially when he plays his guitar. When he speaks and tells the stories and trivia behind some of Neil’s most popular songs, his rich baritone gravelly voice can easily be mistaken for Neil’s own speaking voice. The title says it all. It is the quintessential Neil Diamond concert experience that concludes with a mind-blowing finale.
Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. $49.50, $39.50, $35, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
“We have a wide variety of interesting products,” says Marvin Baum, the Chocolate Expo’s founder and creator. “It’s like going to a wine tasting. You’re trying something different and exploring. That’s really what it is, for people to come and explore all kinds of culinary delights. In this case, it’s with chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, wines, cheeses and other products as well.”
Celebrate and indulge in delicious gourmet goodies — even treats for your beloved pooch. Of course, tasting is very much a part of the event, starting from the moment you enter.
• April 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• $20 adult, $10 ages 5-12 ($30 adult, $15 ages 5-12 at door); available from TheChocolateExpo.com
• Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hempstead
The scrumptious combination of savory and sweet includes chocolate-covered pretzels, artisanal chocolates, bonbons, fudge, rum cakes, hot chocolate, and even chocolate-covered bacon.
And, certainly, no chocolate event would be complete without big chocolate fountains. Guests are greeted by fountains overflowing with dark, white and milk chocolates, which can deliciously drench a selection of fresh fruit, marshmallows pretzels and Rice Krispies Treats.
Visitors will surely enjoy another special treat: An appearance by actors from the original 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), and Rusty Goffe (who in addition to playing an Oompa Loompa, has also been in five of the Harry Potter movies and in Star Wars ), are the festival’s special guests. Baum proudly proclaims this is the first Wonka cast reunion at a chocolate event.
“We found that there was a true emotional connection for a lot of people, between the movie and their own lives — whether it be with good memories with the family or as being part of an escape,” he says. “And so, for that reason, we think that a lot of people on Long Island are going to respond to and be really excited to see this get-together of the Wonka characters.”
If your palate reaches sensory overload, take a break to check out some of the many activities that round out the day. Shows and demonstrations include chocolate smashing, where participants can break a part of high-quality chocolate molds with hammers. There’s also a demonstration with DJ Chef, the first winner of Food Network’s “Cuthroat Kitchen,” known for spinning tunes while cooking.
The youngest “fun-sized” visitors will enjoy Kidz Zone, enticing them with face painting, balloon twisting and crafts.
The festival, according to Baum, has now taken on a life of its own.
“I said, ‘We need to do something where New York businesses can actually make some money. Instead of just doing tastings, let’s do something where we’re tasting and have sales.’ And basically, that became the first New York Chocolate Expo.”
Participating chocolatiers, bakers and related purveyors offer a mindboggling collection of goodies.
Among the enthusiastic local returnees, Wantagh-based Uncle Jeff’s Pecan Pies is not to be missed. Owner Jeff Church participated for the first time last year, and enthusiastically reports the response to his offerings was “beyond belief.” He’ll offer both his all-natural chocolate and regular pecan pies again this year.
“As soon as they opened the doors, people swarmed the tables saying ‘one of these,’ ‘one of those,’” he says. “It was insane.”
Another bakery, Valley Stream’s Chez Hedwidge, caters to folks with dietary restrictions. All products are gluten-free and soy-free, with vegan options available. Edwidge Oriol — who owns the business with her husband — has been involved with the Chocolate Expo for five years.
“Those who have these (dietary) challenges, they deserve a good treat,” she says.
Among the items Oriol will ll bring is her gluten-free chocolate tart, which won third place in a Culinary Federation of Long Island competition.
Whether you’re looking to grab your local faves or find a new delicious obsession, the expo is the place to indulge in some chocolatey fun.
“Everybody is welcome,” Baum says. “All the noise of day-to-day life, all that’s pushed to the side. We want to get together, have a good time, share memories, share some good food, and support local businesses.”
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is recognized for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.
Formed by Sir Neville Mariner in 1958 from a group of London’s leading musicians, it’s become one of the world’s most respected orchestral ensembles. Joshua Bell, music director and Grammywinning violinist, has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world, and is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Led by violin virtuoso Bell, this performance showcases Mendelssohn’s deeply emotive Violin Concerto, with Bell himself taking the stage as both soloist and leader. The program also includes Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia Overture, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61. Set out with Bell and the orchestra on a passionate musical journey of passion and triumph as the extraordinary ensemble demonstrates their artistry.
Friday, March 29, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $80. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Mexican
musical multi-hyphenate and Lincoln Center regular Jaime Lozano appears on the Tilles Center stage with his Familia, an all-star Latin lineup of Broadway and OffBroadway performers, Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m. Heralded by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda as “the next big thing,” Lozano’s newest work, “Songs by an Immigrant,” is a show about diversity and integration. Lozano honestly portrays the challenges of the first- and second-generation middle class U.S. immigrant experience: finding a new home, learning a new language, dealing with discrimination, pursuing the American Dream, and searching for ways to build bridges instead of walls. His Familia includes Mauricio Martínez, Shereen Pimentel and Mayelah Barrera, as well as a nine-piece orchestra. The spectacular celebration of Latin talent includes special guests who are students from Long Island University’s Theatre Arts Department, which adds an exciting dynamic to the performance, showcasing the next generation of rising stars in the industry. The collaboration between these seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talents is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for all who attend. “Songs by an Immigrant” is an inspiring celebration of the immigrant odyssey. Tickets start at $50; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre. In this spirited show music is on the menu as the cast travels back to different years in the past to find clues and knowledge to save the Melody Diner from demolition. A cast of 35 keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 3545280 or LICabaret@aol.com.
Movie matinee
Enjoy a movie on Henry Waldinger Memorial Library’s big screen, Friday, March 29, 1-3 p.m. See the iconic Marvel movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Registration required. 60 Verona Place. Visit ValleyStreamLibrary.org or call (516) 825-6422 to register and for information.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
The North Shore Symphony Orchestra is joined by Broadway and New York cabaret stars for “Country Jukebox: Kenny, Dolly & Friends,” Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m., on Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage. Your toes will be tapping and your hands clapping during this evening of country classics from the 1950s to today’s hottest contemporary hits.
The dynamic performers, with North Shore Symphony, salute such greats as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets start at $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
The Village of Valley Stream hosts pickleball courses starting on Saturday, April 6, at A.J. Hendrickson Park. Participation fee is $80. Paddles and pickleballs will be provided. 123 W. Merrick Road Register in advance by calling (516) 825-4200 or visit Vsrec.org.
Enjoy the popular orchestra,as it continues its season,with special guests Deborah Lifton and the Adea Quartet, Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Madison Theatre. Program includes Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” Op. 45; Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” Op. 24; and Robert Schumann’s “Concertpiece for 4 Horns”, Op. 45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or (516) 323-4444.
Valley Stream District 13 Board of Education holds its regular board meeting, Monday, April 8, at 8 p.m., at James A. Dever School. 585 Corona Ave. For more information, email district clerk MaryAnn Rosamilia at mrosamilia@valleystream13. com or visit ValleyStream13. com.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 30, noon-3 p.m. 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. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 4849337.
Valley Stream’s American Legion Post 854 meets, Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. 51 Roosevelt Ave. For more information, call (516) 791-0719 or visit AmericanLegion854.com.
Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.
Sands Point Preserve offers another in its series of Forest Bathing walks, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35 members. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday , 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
The Village of Valley Stream Board of Trustees will hold the village’s annual budget hearing meeting, on Monday, April 8, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. 123 S. Central Ave. For more information, visit Vsvny.org or call (516) 825-4200 (Option 5).
The Village of Valley Stream board of trustees will hold its reorganization meeting, Monday, April 1, starting at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. 123 S. Central Ave. For more information, visit Vsvny. org or call (516) 825-4200 (Option 5).
be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 605425/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Pursuant
NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A
CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY
Leonard Symons, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 8, 2024 145333
(Section: 37, Block: 670,
Lot: 28)
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 5, 2024 145335
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff
AGAINST Simran Kaur; et al.,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 19, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side
Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 10, 2024 at 4:00PM, premises known as 51 Sobro Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 521 Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment $482,798.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. SEBASTIAN A. LEONARDI A/K/A SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order
Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 607 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $545,528.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611066/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 191501-3 145327
Plaintiff, Against CAROLYN J. ANDERSON A/K/A CAROLYN ANDERSON, ET AL
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/27/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/16/2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 111 South Drive, Valley Stream, New York 11581, And
Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village Of Valley Stream, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.
Section 39 Block 409-06 Lot 102
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $494,051.08 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13-014284
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 2/1/2024
Number: 548-0111 CA 145452
File
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff - againstJEAN M. PETION, et al
Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 17, 2016. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 11th day of April, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 1630 Arkansas Dr., Valley Stream, NY 11580-1806.
Approximate amount of lien $848,367.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 000588/2012.
Malachy P. Lyons, Esq., Referee.
Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590
Tel. 516-742-1212
PETION-69123
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: January 26, 2024
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 6-feet 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.
145396
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against VARICK FLORES, et al
Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 10, 2016, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 22, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Premises known as 42 Cedar Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Sec 37 Block 00537-00 Lot 00014. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $492,185.78 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 009285/2011. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place
regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee File # CARN262 145561
LEGAL NOTICE
BOND RESOLUTION
DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2024, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $400,000 AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
SERIAL BONDS OF THE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW, TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream (the “Village”), located in Nassau County, in the State of New York (the “State”), hereby determines that it is in the public interest of the Village to authorize the financing of the costs of fire department equipment at a total cost not to exceed $400,000, including preliminary costs, all in accordance with the Local Finance Law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream, as follows:
Section 1. There is hereby authorized to be issued serial bonds of the Village in the aggregate principal amount of up to $400,000, pursuant to the Local Finance Law, in order to finance the cost of the specific object or purpose hereinafter described.
Section 2. The specific object or purpose to be financed by the issuance of such serial bonds is the acquisition of fire department equipment, including applicable preliminary and incidental costs in connection therewith (the “Project”).
Section 3. The Board of Trustees of the Village has ascertained and hereby states that (a) the estimated maximum cost of the Project is not to exceed $400,000, (b) no money has heretofore been authorized to be applied to the payment of the costs of the Project; (c) the Board of Trustees of the Village plans to finance the costs of the Project from the $400,000 proceeds of the serial bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized herein, and (d) the maturity of the obligations authorized herein will be in excess of five (5) years.
Section 4. It is hereby determined that the Project referred to in Section 2 hereof is a specific object or purpose described in subdivision
27 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of such Project is five (5) years. The serial bonds in the principal amount of up to $400,000 authorized herein shall have a maximum maturity not to exceed the period of probable usefulness of the specific object or purpose for which they were issued, computed from the earlier of (a) the date of such serial bonds, or (b) the date of the first bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds.
Section 5. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Resolution and the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 21.00, 30.00, 50.00, and 56.00 to 60.00, inclusive, of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of the serial bonds authorized by this Resolution and the renewal of such bond anticipation notes and the power to prescribe the terms, form and content of such serial bonds and such bond anticipation notes authorized by this Resolution, and the power to issue, sell and deliver such serial bonds and bond anticipation notes are hereby delegated to the Village Clerk, as the chief fiscal officer of the Village. The Village Treasurer is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Village all serial bonds issued pursuant to this Resolution and all bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, and the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the seal of the Village to all such serial bonds and all such bond anticipation notes and to attest such seal. Each interest coupon, if any, representing interest payable on such serial bonds shall be authenticated by the facsimile signature of the Village Treasurer.
Section 6. The faith and credit of the Village is hereby and shall be irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all obligations authorized and issued pursuant to this Resolution as the same shall become due.
Section 7. When this Resolution takes effect, the Village Clerk shall cause the same to be published together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law in The Valley Stream Herald, a newspaper having a general circulation in the Village. The validity of the serial bonds authorized by this
Resolution and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of such serial bonds may be contested only if such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should be complied with as of the date of the publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication, or if such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State.
Section 8. Prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued by this bond resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village shall comply with all applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, all regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable Federal laws and regulations in connection with environmental quality review relating to the Project (collectively, the “Environmental Compliance Proceedings”). In the event that any of the Environmental Compliance Proceedings are not completed, or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village will re-adopt, amend or modify this resolution prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued herein upon the advice of bond counsel.
It is hereby determined by the Board of Trustees of the Village that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 9. The Village hereby declares its intention to issue the obligations authorized herein to finance the cost of the Project. The Village covenants for the benefit of the holders of the obligations authorized herein that it will not make any use of the proceeds of such obligations, any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on such obligations or any other funds of the Village, and will not make any use of the facilities financed with the proceeds of such obligations which would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations
by Section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code, and that it will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to such obligations, the proceeds thereof or any facilities financed thereby if such action or omission would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Code (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code. The foregoing covenants shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the defeasance of the bonds or any other provisions hereof until the date which is 60 days after the final maturity date or earlier prior redemption date thereof. The proceeds of any obligations authorized herein may be applied to reimburse expenditures or commitments of the Village made for such purpose on or after a date which is not more than one year prior to the date of adoption of this Resolution by the Village. Section 10. The Village hereby covenants for the benefits of holders of obligations authorized herein to enter into agreements with or for the benefit of certain purchasers of the obligations authorized hereby to enable them to comply with Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Rule”), by providing to a nationally recognized municipal securities information repository, if and when required by the Rule: (i) at least annually, current financial information concerning the City, including annual audited financial statements and pertinent operating information, and (ii) notice of any material events as set forth in the Rule, unless an exemption from such requirement exists as provided in the Rule.
Section 11. This Resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and will take effect upon its adoption by the Board of Trustees and the expiration of the period prescribed in the Village Law during which petitions for a permissive referendum may be submitted and filed with the Village Clerk.
VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK ESTOPPEL NOTICE
The bond resolution published herewith was
adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream on February 26, 2024. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Valley Stream is not authorized to expend money, or if the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of such resolution were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of publication of this notice, or if such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of New York.
Date: March 28, 2024
James J. Hunter Village Clerk Village of Valley Stream, New York 145718
LEGAL NOTICE
RESOLUTION DATED
FEBRUARY 26, 2024, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $400,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
SERIAL BONDS OF THE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK, PURSUANT TO THE
LOCAL FINANCE LAW, TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF VARIOUS VEHICLE FLEET ADDITIONS
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream (the “Village”), located in Nassau County, in the State of New York (the “State”), hereby determines that it is in the public interest of the Village to authorize the financing of the costs of various vehicle fleet additions at a total cost not to exceed $400,000, including preliminary costs, all in accordance with the Local Finance Law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream, as follows:
Section 1. There is hereby authorized to be issued serial bonds of the Village in the aggregate principal amount of up to $400,000, pursuant to the Local Finance Law, in order to finance the cost of the specific object or purpose hereinafter described.
Section 2. The specific object or purpose to be financed by the issuance of such serial bonds is various vehicle fleet additions, including applicable preliminary and incidental costs in connection therewith (the “Project”).
Section 3. The Board of Trustees of the Village has ascertained and hereby states that (a) the estimated maximum cost of the Project is not to exceed $400,000, (b) no money has heretofore been authorized to be applied to the payment of the costs of the Project; (c) the Board of Trustees of the Village plans to finance the costs of the Project from the $400,000 proceeds of the serial bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized herein, and (d) the maturity of the obligations authorized herein will be in excess of five (5) years. Section 4. It is hereby determined that the Project referred to in Section 2 hereof is a specific object or purpose described in subdivision 29 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of such Project is five (5) years. The serial bonds in the principal amount of up to $400,000 authorized herein shall have a maximum maturity not to exceed the period of probable usefulness of the specific object or purpose for which they were issued, computed from the earlier of (a) the date of such serial bonds or (b) the date of the first bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds.
Section 5. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Resolution and the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 21.00, 30.00, 50.00, and 56.00 to 60.00, inclusive, of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of the serial bonds authorized by this Resolution and the renewal of such bond anticipation notes and the power to prescribe the terms, form and content of such serial bonds and such bond anticipation notes authorized by this Resolution, and the power to issue, sell and deliver such serial bonds and bond anticipation notes are hereby delegated to the Village Clerk, as the chief fiscal officer of the Village. The Village Treasurer is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Village all serial bonds issued pursuant to this Resolution and all bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, and the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the seal of the Village to all such serial bonds and all such bond anticipation notes and to attest such seal. Each interest coupon, if any, representing interest payable on such serial bonds shall be
authenticated by the facsimile signature of the Village Treasurer.
Section 6. The faith and credit of the Village is hereby and shall be irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all obligations authorized and issued pursuant to this Resolution as the same shall become due.
Section 7. When this Resolution takes effect, the Village Clerk shall cause the same to be published together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law in The Valley Stream Herald, a newspaper having a general circulation in the Village. The validity of the serial bonds authorized by this Resolution and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of such serial bonds may be contested only if such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should be complied with as of the date of the publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication, or if such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State.
Section 8. Prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued by this bond resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village shall comply with all applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, all regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable Federal laws and regulations in connection with environmental quality review relating to the Project (collectively, the “Environmental Compliance Proceedings”). In the event that any of the Environmental Compliance Proceedings are not completed, or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village will re-adopt, amend or modify this resolution prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued herein upon the advice of bond counsel.
It is hereby determined by the Board of Trustees of the Village that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 9. The Village hereby declares its intention to issue the
obligations authorized herein to finance the cost of the Project. The Village covenants for the benefit of the holders of the obligations authorized herein that it will not make any use of the proceeds of such obligations, any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on such obligations or any other funds of the Village, and will not make any use of the facilities financed with the proceeds of such obligations which would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by Section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code, and that it will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to such obligations, the proceeds thereof or any facilities financed thereby if such action or omission would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Code (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code. The foregoing covenants shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the defeasance of the bonds or any other provisions hereof until the date which is 60 days after the final maturity date or earlier prior redemption date thereof. The proceeds of any obligations authorized herein may be applied to reimburse expenditures or commitments of the Village made for such purpose on or after a date which is not more than one year prior to the date of adoption of this Resolution by the Village.
Section 10. The Village hereby covenants for the benefits of holders of obligations authorized herein to enter into agreements with or for the benefit of certain purchasers of the obligations authorized hereby to enable them to comply with Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Rule”), by providing to a nationally recognized municipal securities information repository, if and when required by the Rule: (i) at least annually, current financial information
concerning the City, including annual audited financial statements and pertinent operating information, and (ii) notice of any material events as set forth in the Rule, unless an exemption from such requirement exists as provided in the Rule.
Section 11. This Resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and will take effect upon its adoption by the Board of Trustees and the expiration of the period prescribed in the Village Law during which petitions for a permissive referendum may be submitted and filed with the Village Clerk.
VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK ESTOPPEL NOTICE
The bond resolution published herewith was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream on February 26, 2024. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Valley Stream is not authorized to expend money, or if the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of such resolution were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of publication of this notice, or if such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of New York.
Date: March 28, 2024
James J. Hunter Village Clerk
Village of Valley Stream, New York 145717
The Final Assessment Roll will be available on the Village Website www.vsvny.org.
Dated: Valley Stream, New York March 28, 2024
JAMES J. HUNTER
Village Clerk/Administrator 145720
LEGAL NOTICE
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 592-5105
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there will be a PUBLIC HEARING of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream to review the Tentative Budget for the Fiscal Year June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025 on Monday, the 8th day of April, 2024, at 7:00 o’clock p.m., in the Village Hall Auditorium, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York. The public may attend the Budget Hearing or join on ZOOM using the link provided.
https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/7148140969
There will be a link on the Village website www.vsvny.org to download the tentative budget
Dated: Valley Stream, New York
March 28, 2024
JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 145719
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Hempstead, New York
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Town Clerk 145675
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of April, 2024, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-15 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE
“PROHIBITION OF LEFT TURNS” at various locations:
NORTH VALLEY STREAM DUTCH BROADWAY (TH 65/24)- NO LEFT TURNAll traffic traveling east bound on Dutch Broadway between Barry Drive Southand Corona Avenue shall be prohibited from executing left turns onto North bound Corona Avenue.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 12, 2024 Hempstead, New York
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY
Section 1. There is hereby authorized to be issued serial bonds of the Village in the aggregate principal amount of up to $2,000,000, pursuant to the Local Finance Law, in order to finance the cost of the specific object or purpose hereinafter described.
Section 2. The specific object or purpose to be financed by the issuance of such serial bonds is the reconstruction of various streets in the Village, including applicable preliminary and incidental costs in connection therewith (the “Project”).
Section 3. The Board of Trustees of the Village has ascertained and hereby states that (a) the estimated maximum cost of the Project is not to exceed $2,000,000, (b) no money has heretofore been authorized to be applied to the payment of the costs of the Project; (c) the Board of Trustees of the Village plans to finance the costs of the Project from the $2,000,000 proceeds of the serial bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized herein, and (d) the maturity of the obligations authorized herein will be in excess of five (5) years.
LEGAL
LEGAL
by any interested person during regular business hours for fifteen days from April 1, 2024
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of April, 2024, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following location: (NR) VALLEY STREAM DUTCH BROADWAY (TH 72/24) North SideSection 202-18 NO PARKING 8AM TO 8PM MONDAY-FRIDAYstarting at a point 80 feet west of the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 62 feet. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 12, 2024
Town Clerk 145678
LEGAL NOTICE BOND RESOLUTION
DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2024, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $2,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
SERIAL BONDS OF THE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW, TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF RECONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS STREETS IN THE VILLAGE WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream (the “Village”), located in Nassau County, in the State of New York (the “State”), hereby determines that it is in the public interest of the Village to authorize the financing of the costs of reconstruction of various streets in the Village at a total cost not to exceed $2,000,000, including preliminary costs, all in accordance with the Local Finance Law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream, as follows:
Section 4. It is hereby determined that the Project referred to in Section 2 hereof is a specific object or purpose described in subdivision 20(c) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of such Project is fifteen (15) years. The serial bonds in the principal amount of up to $2,000,000 authorized herein shall have a maximum maturity not to exceed the period of probable usefulness of the specific object or purpose for which they were issued, computed from the earlier of (a) the date of such serial bonds, or (b) the date of the first bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds.
Section 5. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Resolution and the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 21.00, 30.00, 50.00, and 56.00 to 60.00, inclusive, of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of the serial bonds authorized by this Resolution and the renewal of such bond anticipation notes and the power to prescribe the terms, form and content of such serial bonds and such bond anticipation notes authorized by this Resolution, and the power to issue, sell and deliver such serial bonds and bond anticipation notes are hereby delegated to the Village Clerk, as the chief fiscal
officer of the Village. The Village Treasurer is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Village all serial bonds issued pursuant to this Resolution and all bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, and the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the seal of the Village to all such serial bonds and all such bond anticipation notes and to attest such seal. Each interest coupon, if any, representing interest payable on such serial bonds shall be authenticated by the facsimile signature of the Village Treasurer.
Section 6. The faith and credit of the Village is hereby and shall be irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all obligations authorized and issued pursuant to this Resolution as the same shall become due.
Section 7. When this Resolution takes effect, the Village Clerk shall cause the same to be published together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law in The Valley Stream Herald, a newspaper having a general circulation in the Village. The validity of the serial bonds authorized by this Resolution and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of such serial bonds may be contested only if such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should be complied with as of the date of the publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication, or if such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State.
Section 8. Prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued by this bond resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village shall comply with all applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, all regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable Federal laws and regulations in connection with environmental quality review relating to the Project (collectively, the “Environmental Compliance Proceedings”). In the event that any of the Environmental Compliance Proceedings
are not completed, or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this resolution, the Board of Trustees of the Village will re-adopt, amend or modify this resolution prior to the issuance of obligations authorized to be issued herein upon the advice of bond counsel.
It is hereby determined by the Board of Trustees of the Village that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 9. The Village hereby declares its intention to issue the obligations authorized herein to finance the cost of the Project. The Village covenants for the benefit of the holders of the obligations authorized herein that it will not make any use of the proceeds of such obligations, any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on such obligations or any other funds of the Village, and will not make any use of the facilities financed with the proceeds of such obligations which would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by Section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code, and that it will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to such obligations, the proceeds thereof or any facilities financed thereby if such action or omission would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to Federal income taxation under the Code (except for the alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by section 55 of the Code and except for the environmental tax imposed on corporations by Section 59A of the Code) or subject the Village to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code. The foregoing covenants shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the defeasance of the bonds or any other provisions hereof until the date which is 60 days after the final maturity date or earlier prior redemption date thereof. The proceeds of any obligations authorized herein may be applied to reimburse expenditures or commitments of the Village made for such purpose on or after a date which is not more than one year prior to the date of adoption of this Resolution by the Village.
Section 10. The Village hereby covenants for the benefits of holders of obligations authorized herein to enter into agreements with or for the benefit of certain purchasers of the obligations authorized hereby to enable them to comply with Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Rule”), by providing to a nationally recognized municipal securities information repository, if and when required by the Rule: (i) at least annually, current financial information concerning the City, including annual audited financial statements and pertinent operating information, and (ii) notice of any material events as set forth in the Rule, unless an exemption from such requirement exists as provided in the Rule.
Section 11. This Resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and will take effect upon its adoption by the Board of Trustees and the expiration of the period prescribed in the Village Law during which petitions for a permissive referendum may be submitted and filed with the Village Clerk.
VILLAGE OF VALLEY
YORK ESTOPPEL NOTICE
The bond resolution published herewith was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Valley Stream on February 26, 2024. The validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village of Valley Stream is not authorized to expend money, or if the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of such resolution were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of publication of this notice, or if such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of New York.
Date: March 28, 2024
James J. Hunter
Village Clerk Village of Valley Stream, New York 145716
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF KINGSIndex No 550178/2024. Filed 1/25/2024.
SUMMONS WITH NOTICE
- Plaintiff designates Kings County as the place of trial - Basis of venue: Plaintiff’s residence, SHIRLEY MARTIN, Plaintiff, -againstDARRELL D. BROWN, Defendant.- ACTION FOR
DIVORCE - To the abovenamed Defendant YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons is complete and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: December 20, 2023. DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services, 55 Water Street, 23RD FL, NY, NY 10041, NERMINA Z.
ARNAUD, of Counsel to WILLIAM WHALEN, Plaintiff’s Attorney, (212) 815-1140. NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties on the grounds of DRL §170(7) Irretrievable Breakdown in Relationship for at Least Six Months. The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action.
NOTICE OF AUTOMATIC
ORDERS: Pursuant to domestic relations law section 236 part b, sec. 2, the parties are bound by certain automatic orders which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action. For further details you should contact the clerk of the matrimonial part, Supreme Court, Kings County, NY Tel. (347) 404-9760. DRL 255 Notice: Please be advised that once the judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both parties must be aware that he or she will no longer be covered by the other party’s health insurance plan and that each party shall be responsible for his or her own health insurance coverage, and may be entitled to purchase health insurance on his or her own through a COBRA option, if available. This Notice is required to be given to you by the Supreme Court of the county where your divorce was filed to comply with the Maintenance Guidelines Law ([S. 5678/A. 7645], Chapter 269, Laws of 2015) because you may not have counsel in this action to advise you. You are hereby given notice that under the Maintenance Guidelines Law (Chapter 269, Laws of 2015), there is an obligation to award the guideline amount of maintenance on income up to $203,000 to be paid by the party with the higher income (the maintenance payor) to the party with the lower income (the maintenance payee) according to a formula, unless the parties agree otherwise or waive this right. NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC FILING (Consensual Case) (Uniform Rule § 202.5-b) The Plaintiff has filed this case using the New York
State Courts E-filing system (“NYSCEF”), To register for e-filing or for more information about how e-filing works: visit: www.nycourts.gov/efileunrepresented or contact the Clerk’s Office or Help Center at the court where the case was filed. Court contact information can be found at www.nycourts.gov. For additional information about electronic filing and to create a NYSCEF account, visit the NYSCEF website at www.nycourts.gov/efile or contact the NYSCEF Resource Center (phone: 646-386-3033; e-mail: nyscef@nycourts.gov). 145738
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-14, Plaintiff AGAINST
Peggy Kouassi a/k/a Peggy Turner; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 28, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 29, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 73 Broadway, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 667 Lot 41. Approximate amount of judgment $597,228.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008374/2016. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Michael Jay Santino Pontone, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff
175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: March 1, 2024 145736
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACIY BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL
TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS
TITLE TRUST VI, Plaintiff, vs. MINERVA 1 LLC, Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 9, 2023 and an Order to Substitute Bank duly entered on February 20, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 85 Todd Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 603 and Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $820,679.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614035/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Steven Keats, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 234192-1 145666
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 609059/2023 COUNTY OF NASSAU
MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs. LINDA TOLKIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLE SCHENENDORF; STEVEN SCHENENDORF, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLE SCHENENDORF; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLE
SCHENENDORF, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; DAVID TOLKIN, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 1036 FURTH ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581
Section: 39, Block: 512, Lot: 27
To the above named
Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State.
The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action,
may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF
SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $469,342.50 and interest, recorded on July 27, 2005, in Liber 29146 at Page 340, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 1036 FURTH ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: December 18, 2023
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Christina Bruderman, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 145734
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
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Open Houses
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WOODMERE
Q. I live in the flood area, which happened during Sandy. I am required to lift my air conditioning unit. I was told it had to be at least 4 feet above the ground, and could be set on a platform or put on a bracket against the house. The platform seems to kill the space in my side yard, so I’m opting for the brackets. Now that I have discussed them with my neighbors, they told me the brackets, which will be on the outside of my bedroom, are going to make the air conditioner vibrations annoying, because I’ll hear them right through the wall. I don’t want that, but the platform would take up space and would be much more expensive to build. Is there another alternative, or can I prevent the noise from the vibrations from coming through the wall? It will drive me crazy if I’m awakened every time the unit goes on. What can I do?
A. This has been a problem addressed in different ways, either by dampening the unit or brackets, relocating the unit to a different place on brackets outside a room, such as a utility, laundry or storage room, building the platform or mounting the unit on a roof. The roof mounting is really a last resort, since the unit needs to be accessible and level. The only place I have designed roof-mounted units is on new homes where flat (low-slope) roof sections are planned. If you have a steeper-sloped roof with asphalt shingles, this method is not worth considering.
As for the less costly method, mounting brackets that are made for air conditioning outdoor condenser units have accessory dampeners and isolation cushions that can be installed, so obviously the industry recognizes the problem.
Comments I have gotten are that, over time, the brackets may wear down and screws and bolts may loosen. One person told me that he lessened the problem by tightening all the fasteners, but I believe this is temporary, and I don’t see the average homeowner climbing a ladder to tighten the connections unless they become completely frustrated. Only locating the condenser unit on a wall area of a seldom-used area of the home, like your utility, storage closet, garage or laundry room, will reduce this problem.
Otherwise, the separate tower is your best option, even though it will cost at least $1,000 more to do. I rarely hear of this problem, but it still does happen. The same thing occurs with washing machines and dryers located on a wood structure adjacent to bedrooms. In such cases, I design a separate, floating structure, isolated by gaskets and dampening shoes or pads. The other alternative is using concrete, but it still needs designed separation dampers. I hope you understand that moving or installing the unit is still costly with new wiring and refrigerant lines being installed to reach the relocated unit, whichever way you go. Good luck!
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It has arrived. Baseball’s opening day.
When I was a kid growing up in Queens, this greatly anticipated moment was my reassurance that all was well with the world. Coinciding with the coming of warm spring weather and the sale of the new season’s edition of baseball cards, it focused the attention of my friends — whether Dodgers, Yankees or Giants fans — first on the upcoming pennant races, and then on the World Series.
pETER KInG
This was the golden age of baseball in New York. During the 11 seasons from 1947 to 1957, the Yankees won nine pennants; my team, the Dodgers, six; and the Giants, two. In every year but one, there was at least one New York team in the World Series, and both teams in the fall classic were from New York eight times.
As far as we were concerned, baseball was New York, and New York was baseball. There was nothing like going to Ebbets Field, Yankee Stadium or the
Polo Grounds and being struck by the colors of bright green grass, white baselines and players’ uniforms that were so intense compared with what we saw on our 12-inch black-and-white television screens. No other sport during that era generated such attention. The football Giants often played before a lot of empty seats in the Polo Grounds, and the Knicks actually played NBA championship games in a National Guard Armory because the circus was using Madison Square Garden.
My friends and I had to take the train to Flushing Meadow to play on grass.
Because there was no grass anywhere in our Sunnyside neighborhood, we adapted with our baseball simulations of stickball, curb ball, stoop ball and punchball or softball on the concrete field in the nearby city park. When we reached age 11, we formed our own team, enrolled it in the PAL and took the Queens 7 line train to Flushing Meadow, which had grass fields. The team’s equipment consisted of two bats and a catcher’s mask. Batting helmets were nonexistent, as were parents, or any adults at all. We were on our own. And if we lost or played badly, there was no one to console us.
Much had changed, of course, by the
time my son, Sean, started playing Little League ball at Seaman’s Neck Park in Seaford in the late 1970s: There were Opening Day parades, grass fields, uniforms, umpires, adult coaches, team batting helmets and stands filled with parents, grandparents and neighbors. That was all new to me, but made for great memories. I really noticed the differences when, starting in 2013, my grandson Jack began playing, first in the Wantagh Little League and then on Long Island travel teams, including the Chiefs and Titans. The changes that struck me most were the equipment — individual batting helmets and customized bats — and the level of play — 11- and 12-year-olds routinely turning double plays and catching high fly balls. What was unchanged was the level of family support and community enthusiasm, with no Bad News Bears adult tantrums or boorishness.
Travel team baseball was a whole new experience. Not just the higher level of skill, but playing across Long Island and traveling to tournaments in upstate Cooperstown as well as Connecticut, Maryland and even South
Carolina. At every destination, the Long Island kids played well and distinguished themselves.
Now a new baseball season is upon us, from Little League to the major leagues. Much has changed over the years. The Dodgers and Giants abandoned us for California over six decades ago. Major League Baseball, which at one time never played west of St. Louis, has expanded from two eightteam leagues to 30 teams and six divisions, and plays regular-season games in Asia and Europe. There has been a diffusion of intense fan interest beyond baseball to the NFL, NBA and NHL. And there is now an overlap of sports seasons, with the NBA and NHL cutting into months of the baseball schedule.
At the local level, the travel team phenomenon draws away from Little League and high school play. Still, baseball remains strong in New York, with the Mets and Yankees, and especially on Long Island, with our outstanding facilities and, most important, supportive families and communities. I know I’m still enthused and ready. Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
We need stronger enforcement of youth vaping laws
parents, teachers and school administrators on Long Island all understand the gravity of the youth vaping epidemic. Young people are using vaping devices at alarming rates, exposing themselves to nicotine and numerous other dangerous chemicals that have adverse effects on their health. New York state must respond to this crisis by requiring greater transparency when it comes to the sale of vaping products, holding distributors accountable for illegal sales and rigorously enforcing penalties for bad actors.
MIchaEllE solaGEsAccording to the state Department of Health, nearly one in five high school students in New York reported vaping nicotine in 2022. There is no debate about the scale of the problem, but state policy is not keeping up with the demand for it. School districts have been left with no choice but to create individualized plans to respond to this
problem, with the state failing to tackle the supply side of the issue. Distributors and individual sellers are getting away with selling to minors, and there are currently few enforcement mechanisms in place to hold sellers and their distributors accountable.
This year I have introduced legislation that would require distributors of vaping products to be licensed by the state.
TUnder this bill, there would be reporting requirements for distributors and sellers so the supply chain of vaping devices couldn’t be hidden from state authorities. This creates transparency on where these devices are coming from. Last July alone, the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted $18 million worth of illegal vapes that were shipped to the United States from overseas. This represents only a small fraction of total imports, most of which make it past customs enforcement. With unregulated and unauthorized vaping devices flooding the market, there needs to be more rigorous enforce-
here’s no debate about the scale of the problem, but state policy isn’t keeping up.
ment of state regulations. My bill would authorize inspections of retailers to ensure compliance with tax and licensing requirements, and empower the state to seize all non-tax-paid devices. Violators would be subject to fines and possible revocation of their license to sell. Another bill in the Assembly would require all products stored on or near the premises of a vape retailer to be subject to inspections. Actions like these would go a long way toward eliminating illegal sales and removing bad actors from the market.
One critical aspect of cracking down on illegal sales of vaping products is cutting off access to them for people younger than 21. Many can buy devices online and bypass all checks that would be required at a retailer, and many are still able to buy devices right at the counter. More must be done to make sure age verification is being done for all sales.
Even if this were fully addressed, the black market for vaping products would still present a major challenge to mak-
ing meaningful progress in getting these devices out of the hands of young people. In recent months, we have seen the state take more concrete steps to crack down on illegal cannabis retail operations. The same must be done with the vaping industry. It will require a sustained effort on the part of government agencies, with the backing of strong legislation to make a dent in the illegal sales of vaping devices that is occurring every day.
The promise of a smoke-free generation was within our grasp not that long ago, but the illicit vape market has threatened all of our progress on this issue. Vaping devices provide real help to cigarette smokers who are looking to quit, but we should make sure sales are targeted only at this group of consumers. No child should be exposed to vaping devices, and the state government must be an active partner in making sure all distributors and retailers are following the law while cracking down on the black market that thrives on getting young people hooked on nicotine.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District and chairs the Assembly’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
they’re good people. They’re strong. And they’re heroes.
That’s how people in New York describe volunteer firefighters, according to a survey conducted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. And nearly half of all people who were asked said they would love to become one of these strong, good heroes.
And now they have their chance.
Volunteer fire departments — like the one in your hometown — are opening their doors the weekend of April 13 to not only remind our neighborhoods of how important those fire departments are, but also to help bring more firefighters to the fold.
It’s called RecruitNY weekend, and leading up to it, the firefighters association is asking businesses, government buildings and anyplace else where exteriors are lit to make those lights red to show solidarity with our firefighters.
“The lights symbolize our commitment to a tradition of community help, and a need for more volunteers,” Edward Tase Jr., president of the association, said.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is doing his part, lighting the dome red on the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola in the first two weeks of April. The hope is that other major landmarks across the region and state will light up
To the Editor:
red as well.
Being a volunteer fire department has been getting tougher. Membership has dropped, while calls have increased. And not because people don’t want to be firefighters — it’s just hard to make that commitment in our busy lives, amid a turbulent economy that requires many of us to work more than we may have in the past to pay the bills.
But there are benefits beyond simply making a difference — and potentially saving lives — to being a volunteer firefighter. And those are benefits worth considering. For example, volunteer firefighters get free training and free equipment, as well as tax breaks and essential insurance coverage — all provided by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Law, first passed in 1957.
Some of those tax breaks include income tax credits of $500 to $1,000 per year, as well as property tax reductions of up to 10 percent, assuming your local government has opted in.
And, depending on what individual departments have set up, there could be pension opportunities as well, established through the state’s Length of Service Award Program.
For younger people, there are scholarships and tuition reimbursement available, too.
Of course, becoming a volunteer firefighter isn’t about the financial incentives, although they help. What really
Long Island Rail Road riders have to ask why Phase 2 of the LIRR’s $168 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements wasn’t completed prior to the initiation of fulltime service for the $11.6 billion East Side Access to Grand Central Madison in February 2023.
Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. The work will raise maximum allowable train speeds, increase train throughput — the number of trains that can pass through a section of line in a given time — as well as parallel routing capabilities, implement universal 12-car platform capacity and ensure a full state-of-good-repair throughout the Jamaica Station complex. It will include critical work on bridges carrying trains, and expansion of the Hall Interlocking.
Prior to this, there was the $450 million Phase 1 of the Jamaica Capacity Improvements, for which funding was approved in 2010, using grants from the Federal Transit Administration. It included capital improvements in and around the station, encompassing tracks, signals, third-rail power and interlockings, designed to support increased operational capacity necessary for future service to Grand Central Madison. When the FTA grants were approved, this proposed new service was many
draws most people to serve is a chance to give back to the communities they love in ways they simply can’t do otherwise.
Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in protecting their homes and neighbors from emergencies and disasters beyond simply putting out fires, although there is nothing simple about that. They are also there for medical emergencies and natural disasters like major storms, always contributing to public safety and well-being.
These days we see firefighters needed to respond to flooded basements, lithium-ion battery fires, downed power lines and car accidents.
Volunteers also get to fulfill a dream many of us have had since the moment we saw a firefighter for the first time. We knew that’s what we wanted to be, too. So why not do it?
Visit your local volunteer fire department next month. See what it’s like to be a firefighter, and how you can make a difference. And then ask where you can sign up.
President George W. Bush once said that “the willingness of America’s volunteer firefighters to risk their lives for others is a testament to the spirit of service that pervades our nation.”
Let’s continue prove him right. Find out how — and where — you can volunteer today. Visit FireInYou.org/volunteer.
the American Jewish Committee recently released its annual State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, which revealed that 63 percent of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is “less secure than a year ago” — a 22-percentage-point increase in just one year, and a 32-point increase over two years.
Forty-six percent of American Jews say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism, a jump from 38 percent last year.
While these numbers are daunting and cause for concern, several of the key takeaways from the report, on Holocaust and antisemitism education, are positive.
state offer varying degrees of Holocaust education, in accordance with State Education Department regulations, and we also know that quality Holocaust education has been shown to reduce antisemitism and all forms of hate.
AJC’s report found that 92 percent of American Jews, and 89 percent of all U.S. adults in the Northeast, believe it is important for public schools to invest more resources in teaching age-appropriate lessons about the Holocaust to all students. There is also overwhelming support among both the Jewish community and the general public for teaching modern manifestations of antisemitism in public schools.
We know that schools in New York
Jewish students, however, should not be seen solely through the lens of the Holocaust. We should incorporate the Jewish community in any diversity efforts, and encourage the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month in May, to promote awareness and appreciation of Jewish contributions to American society.
In addition, over the past several years, school districts across Long Island have implemented character education initiatives to address all forms of hate and racism, and help students understand the consequences of actions and words on others.
It is critical that we also teach about the modern manifestations of antisemitism, not just the historical ones. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, we have seen a steep increase in antisemitic graffiti and incidents in Long Island public schools. This is on top of an already growing problem with antisemi-
Station, GCM, Flatbush Avenue, Hunters Point or Long Island City? LIRR commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and elected officials deserve a detailed explanation from MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Robert Free for why this work was delayed so long.
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column “Check your Medicare statement carefully”: I think Jerry is naïve to think Medicare will have the time and manpower to investigate billing scams, like the one he detailed involving catheters, when they are devoting resources to denying reimbursement
for preventive services that are listed in their handbook. I will explain.
I recently had a PSA test whose reimbursement was denied because of a billing code error. I am 77 years old, and per Page 49 of the Medicare handbook, this is a preventive service to which I am entitled every 12 months.
I did not have this test for several years. I called Medicare to get the service reimbursed, and was told I had to get a letter from my doctor explaining the need for the service, and with that document to file an appeal. This meant the doctor had to send me a letter, and I had to fill out a claim form and mail it to Medicare. Medicare now has to evaluate the appeal and rule on it.
The request for an appeal for coverage of this preventive service couldn’t be approved with a phone call, even after I was transferred to two different people with hold times of roughly 20 minutes. Everyone I spoke to on the phone agreed that it didn’t make sense, but they had no authority to approve the service, even though it’s listed in their manual as one that’s covered.
LEWIS ALTMAN Merricktism here and nationwide.
Given that antisemitism is often not well understood, education is crucial in fostering an environment with zero tolerance for anti-Jewish bigotry and all forms of hate. It is also critical to reassure Jewish families that districts see them in this moment, and are prioritizing their children’s safety and well-being. Several Jewish organizations, including AJC, offer training for students, teachers and administrators.
In these moments of uncertainty and anxiety for American Jewry, it is also important to consider what is being reported when Israel is in the news more than usual, as has been the case since Oct. 7. Criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic. In fact, it is a feature of its democracy, and Israelis do it all the time. But there are occasions when anti-Israel rhetoric can become antisemitic, including statements that deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.
American Jewish organizations, Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York state and the federal government, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic, but, for example, “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation” does cross that line.
The IHRA definition can be helpful in evaluating whether antisemitism exists in school settings. Establishing a system to report antisemitism and all forms of hate, reviewing and publicizing key school policies, including social media, and communicating with families when antisemitism and hate occur are also vital.
The more we all know about antisemitism, the more we can identify it, fight it and keep it on the fringe of society. When that happens, not only Jews will feel more secure, we all will.
As noted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, which has been adopted by the AJC and major
Eric Post is the Long Island director of the American Jewish Committee. Bob Vecchio is the executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.
Framework by Tim Baker
