Amityville Herald 02_05_2025

HERALD AMITYvIlle

ReCORD

Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa

Bill would allow local school districts to opt-out of electric bus mandate

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Assemblymen Keith Brown and Michael Durso, both Republicans, are co-sponsoring a bill that would allow local school districts to opt out of a new state law mandating the transition to electric school buses. The lawmakers argue that the measure, which requires districts to replace diesel buses with zero-emission models, presents significant energy and cost-related challenges.

At a news conference on January 28, Brown (12 th AD) and Durso (9 th AD) introduced the proposed bill that, if passed, would give school districts the option to apply for a waiver from the state’s commissioner of education, allowing them to bypass certain zero-emission bus requirements.

Under current law, starting in 2027, school districts in New York will be required to purchase electric school buses to replace traditional diesel models. The

state offers transportation aid as partial reimbursement for bus purchases, but the new measure has raised concerns about its affordability.

A group of Republican state senators sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, expressing concerns over the high costs of electric buses. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average new electric school bus costs approximately $400,000, compared to about $130,000 for traditional diesel buses. However, in a statement to the press, Hochul defended the initiative, stating, “It is not enough to encourage New Yorkers to buy electric—we must build green infrastructure that will drive New Yorkers to choose cleaner and greener modes of transportation.”

The push for electric school buses is part of New York’s broader environmental goal of reaching 850,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025, with plans for all new passenger vehicles to be electric by 2035. Critics of the mandate argue that electric

New middle school ban on backpacks faces backlash from parents

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

A new school policy barring the use of backpacks between classes at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville is drawing criticism from some parents who say the change negatively impacts their children’s academic experience.

TOne parent of an honor student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the rule. The parent said their child now has to visit their locker three times a day to retrieve books and materials for each class. If this results in tardiness in getting to class on time, the parent receives repeated text messages from teachers about their child’s lateness.

and remain up and away throughout the school day,” the letter said. It noted that students could access their lockers during homeroom, before lunch, and before 9th period.

he safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority.

ROSE HUTCHERSON

Edmund W. Miles Principal

In a statement to the public Hutcherson said the change was made after “careful consideration” and is in line with best practices for maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. However, another parent voiced concern that the rule sets students up for failure by forcing them to go back and forth to their lockers, instead of allowing them to carry everything they need for the day. “It’s making them late to class, and they’re being punished for forgetting,” the parent said.

“I don’t understand why this is happening here when none of the other schools are doing it,” the parent said.

In a letter sent January 14 to parents, Principal Rose Hutcherson outlined the new policy. “To maintain a productive and focused learning environment, backpacks, coats, hats, earbuds, cellphones, and headphones must be stored

Other parents said they also receive multiple text messages each day from teachers about their child’s tardiness due to the new policy. They also criticized the lack of input from parents before the rule was im-plemented. The only communication they received , they said, was the letter from Hutcherson an -

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Photo Credit/Metro Creative Connection

Middle school no-backpack rule faces parental backlash

FROM COVER

nouncing the policy change, which had already been put into effect.

“It’s more of a hardship than a strategy,” said the parent. “It just seems pointless.”

Hutcherson does not think so. “The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities,” she said. “We recognize that this requires an adjustment period and empathize with the frustration some students have felt. We hope that, by working

together, we can minimize disruptions to students’ learning experiences.”

She also encouraged open communication with parents and students.

“Our goal is to support students in staying organized and ensuring they have access to the materials they need throughout the day,” she said.

“We welcome feedback so we can best meet the needs of our school community.”

Amityville Parent Teacher Coalition hosts Supermarket Bingo and Silent Auction

The Amityville Parent Teacher Coalition will be hosting their annual Supermarket Bingo and Silent Auction on Friday, March 7 at Edmund W. Miles Middle School.

Through the raffling of donated goods and services, the APTC can raise funds for several events and activities that are provided to the children of the Amityville school district.

Over the years, APTC has purchased

school spirit shirts, holiday gifts for families in need, granted scholarships and more

The coalition is also asking for raffle donations in the form of gift certificates for services or merchandise, or even unwanted new or unused items. Baskets are also needed. They request that all donations be made by Saturday, March 1. To donate and for more information, please call (631) 565-6000.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly with, from left, Carol Lyden, Ann Krauthamer, Dee Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Winter White party

Legislator Donnelly joins Babylon seniors for winter white party at Tanner Park

S.C. Leg. Tom Donnelly attended the Town of Babylon Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter White Party. Held in January 24, the event is just one of many celebrations put on by the center and was a festive and exciting day for Babylon seniors.

This year’s Winter White event was attended by seniors from throughout the town who enjoyed the good food, games and music—all while dressed in white.

Under the direction of Kerry Riordan, Tanner Park Senior Center is one of the six senior centers in the Town of Babylon. As with all the centers, it serves as a recreation, socialization and

information resource center for Babylon residents.

“It was wonderful to attend the Tanner Park Senior Center’s 2025 Winter White Party to spend time with our Babylon seniors,” said Donnelly. “Director Riordan and her incredible staff go above and beyond to create programs that bring energy and foster engagement for and with our local seniors. This event was yet another example of their outstanding efforts, and we are truly grateful for all they do every day.”

P.S. I Love You Day challenge is currently accepting posters

Town of Babylon Councilman McSweeney’s P.S. I Love You Day Kindness Challenge is currently accepting submissions.

All are welcome to participate by creating Handprint Heart posters for dedicated first responders as a thank you for their service.

Posters can be dropped off at the Babylon Town Council Office by 4:40 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 11. The Babylon Town Hall is located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst.

For more information, call (631) 9573000.

U. S. Power Squadrons offer boating courses

The United States Power Squadrons is offering course dates and locations for upcoming safe boating courses as follows:

•Great South Bay, America’s Boating Course, West Islip Library, 3 Higbie La., West Islip, March 4, 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30. For more information contact Michael Boland at 631-290-8096, or email him at: bolandmichael123@gmail.com

• Captree Squadron, Babylon pool building, 151 Phelps La., North Babylon,

March 3 and 29, 9 a.m. The cost is $60. For more information or to sign up for the course contact Eugene Johnson at 631-921-3403, or email him at pwrbtr@ aol.com

To access the latest list of safe boating courses and seminars on Long Island, go to https://shorturl.at/Qp0Df. For additional information about the United States Power Squadrons call 516-312-2167 or visit one of the web sites listed below.

Correction:

A story that ran in the Record Jan. 30 (“Crossroads Farm and Dominican Sisters are cultivating a new partnership—and a bountiful summer garlic crop”) incorrectly stated the location of the farm. It is on the property of the Sisters of St. Dominic.

OBITUARY Nancy Leftenant-Colon, lifelong Amityville resident and trailblazing U. S. Army veteran, dies at 104

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

In January 2019, the Amityville School District paid tribute to Nancy LeftenantColon, renaming the high school’s media center in her honor. Leftenant-Colon, a lifelong Amityville resident, was a pioneering figure in American military history. As a registered nurse and sister to one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, she became the first African American woman to serve in the Army Nurse Corps. Her motto, “The sky’s the limit,” reflected her unwavering spirit and commitment to breaking barriers.

Major Nancy Leftenant-Colon died on Jan. 8 in Amityville at the age of 104.

Throughout her life, Leftenant-Colon achieved a series of milestones. She became the first commissioned Black nurse integrated into the U.S. Army Air Nurse Corps and was the first and only woman to serve as president of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.

“Nancy is probably one of the most significant and consequential individuals to hail from our town in our generation,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “She is an historical figure that all of us can learn from and emulate as we live our lives.”

During the dedication of the media center in her name, Lt. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, then inspector general of the U.S.

Air Force, called the tribute “an incredible and most-deserved honor.” She presented Leftenant-Colon with an artistic canvas featuring two photos—one from her time as a major and another from a 2009 meeting between the two women.

Former Babylon Town Councilwoman and retired Army Lt. Col. Jacqueline A. Gordon also spoke at the event, highlighting the path Leftenant-Colon forged for women in the armed forces.

Lenore Braithwaite of the American Legion Hunter Squires Jackson Post 1218 in Amityville fondly recalled LeftenantColon as her school nurse at Amityville High School and presented her with the Legion’s 100th anniversary com-mander’s pin.

Leftenant-Colon graduated from Amityville High School in 1939 and from the Lincoln School for Nurses in the Bronx the same year. The Lincoln School was the first in the U.S. to train Black women as nurses. After initially being told the military was not accepting Black nurses, she worked briefly at a local hospital before volunteering for the Army Nurse Corps in January 1945. She was accepted as a reservist and sent to Lowell General Hospital at Fort Evans, Massachusetts, where she cared for wounded World War II soldiers. Her exemplary performance earned her a promotion to First Lieuten-

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents and arrests have been reported by the Suffolk County Police and other police and law enforcement agencies:

MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF GUNS

Robert Ehlich, 41, of 21 Chateau Dr., Melville, was arrested on Jan. 25 and charged with criminal possession of multiple firearms. According to Suffolk County Police, officers responded to Ehlich’s home at around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a report from probation officers. Police from the First and Second Precincts, along with Second Squad detectives, seized three assault rifles, two rifles, one level-three body armor, a large amount of ammunition, three large-capacity magazines, and plastic molds for ghost guns. Ehlich was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. He was charged with seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, two counts in the fourth degree, and unlawful purchase of body armor. He was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip.

MAN CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING CHILD

Galo Macasfreire, 38, of 21 South 31st St., Wyandanch, was arrested on Jan. 27 after allegedly attempting to lure an

11-year-old girl into his car. According to police, the girl was walking on Patton Avenue near 26th Street at about 3:05 p.m. when Macasfreire, driving a 2007 gray Chevrolet, stopped and asked her multiple times to get into the car. He offered her candy, which he was reportedly rubbing near his genitals. Macasfreire was arrested on the same street and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was held overnight at the First Precinct and arraigned the following day at First District Court in Central Islip. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the First Precinct at 631-854-8100.

PEDESTRIAN CRITICAL AFTER CRASH

A 24-year-old woman was critically injured in a South Farmingdale vehicular accident on Jan. 24, at about 7:07 p.m. Suffolk County Homicide Squad detectives said a 35-year-old man was driving a 2018 Jeep southbound on West Chestnut Street when he made a left turn onto Spencer Street and struck the woman as she was crossing the street. The woman was transported to an area hospital by police ambulance and is listed in critical condition. The driver remained at the scene, and no other injuries were reported.

Continued on Page 12

Lt. Gen. Stayce D. Harris,

of the

ant after only 11 months.

In 1946, Leftenant-Colon made history again when she was assigned to the 332nd Station Medical Group at Lockbourne Army Air Base in Columbus, Ohio, becoming the first Black nurse to be integrated into the Army Air Corps. She later transferred to the Air Force and served as a flight nurse during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, evacuating wounded soldiers from Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. She also set up hospital wards in active war zones, saving countless lives.

After retiring from the military, Leftenant-Colon returned to Amityville and served as a high school nurse until her retirement in 1984.

Veteran Juan Leon, an Amityville resident and former Amityville School Board trustee, reflected on her legacy upon hearing of her death. “Women are

tough, but women who serve in the military overseas dur-ing war—they’re in a category of their own, especially nurses,” he said. “I’m glad she was able to see the community’s dedication to her, which was fitting and well-deserved.”

Born in Goose Creek, South Carolina, Leftenant-Colon was the daughter of James and Eunice Leftenant. She married Air Force Reserve Captain Bayard Colon, who died in 1972. The couple had no children. She is survived by her sister, Amy Leftenant of Amityville, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service and Celebration of Life ceremony were held on Jan. 25 at Zion Cathedral in Freeport.

She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. on April 9.

Photos by the late Joe Turner

right, congratulated Major Nancy Leftenant-Colón at the 2019 dedication

Amityville Memorial High School media center in her honor.

Leftenant-Colon, left, in 2019, and, above, as a registered nurse in the military.

Brain scans of cats in crocheted caps reveal insights into feline pain relief

Researchers at the University of Montreal have found a creative way to study brain activity in cats, aiming to improve pain management for older felines. In a study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, Canadian scientists sought to determine whether electroencephalogram (EEG) technology could identify brain signals in cats suffering from osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that affects about 25.6% of cats worldwide.

JOANNE ANDERSON Pets, Pets, Pets...

Cats are known for masking pain, a survival instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. While brain scans can provide valuable insights into pain, cats rarely tolerate electrodes attached to their heads. Attempts to conduct EEGs on awake cats often fail as the animals tend to shake off or chew the wires. Heavily sedating the cats to complete the procedure doesn’t capture how they feel when conscious. The only alternative, a surgical implant of sensors, sparks ethical concerns, explained Aude Castel, assistant professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal and lead author of the study.

To overcome this, Castel’s team developed a non-invasive method for attaching the electrodes. Ph.D. student Aliénor Delsart, the study’s first author, found inspiration from an unlikely source— a YouTube tutorial for crocheting cat hats. The video, titled “Narby Pom Pom Cat Video Tutorial,” gave Delsart the idea to create custom crocheted hats for the cats, which could securely hold the EEG electrodes.

“We knew crochet hats were meant to be cute, but we wanted to adapt them for a scientific purpose,” Delsart said. “It turned out to be a successful bet!”

With the help of another talented crocheter in their lab, the team designed beanies, without pom-poms, to embed ten gold-plated EEG electrodes. The researchers then trained 11 cats, each with

osteoarthritis, to wear the hats in preparation for the brain scans. The cats, who were all at least seven years old, were housed in temperature-controlled rooms with perches, beds, scratching posts, and toys. They received rewards, such as treats and petting, for tolerating their new headgear.

The cats’ positive conditioning to wearing the caps allowed the researchers to complete the EEGs without sedation. Some cats even fell asleep during the process, so the team waited for them to wake up before continuing the scans. Others had to be distracted from purring, as the vibrations could interfere with the data.

The team then used the EEGs to investigate whether soothing stimuli— such as blue and green light exposure and citrus scents—could help reduce the cats’ pain and promote relaxation.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods, marks a significant step forward in understanding and managing chronic pain in cats. Researchers are now working to further develop EEG technology as a tool for detecting and modulating chronic pain in animals. Preliminary findings were presented by Delsart at the Royal Society of Medicine in London.

“We aim to secure funding, in partnership with private companies, to establish a reliable EEG signature for chronic pain,” said Eric Troncy, a co-author of the study. “This could eventually lead to automated chronic pain detection in the future.”

In a separate collaboration, the team is also working with Guillaume Dumas, a professor of computational psychiatry at the University of Montreal, to study the synchronicity of brainwaves between cats, dogs, and their owners. All of this progress was made possible by the cats’ adorable, crocheted thinking caps.

At the University of Montreal, Fee, an abandoned cat with osteoarthritis,

cheted beanie to secure the electrodes for her EEG.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

•Suffolk County Police Department First Precinct Community Meeting, 7 p.m., West Babylon Public Library, 211 New York 109, West Babylon. For more information, call (631) 854-8100.

•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Surise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3012.

•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail.com

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631)-264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631)-464-4899.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

•Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at

Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague. For more information, please call (631)-842-4015.

•Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

•Republic Airport Commission Meeting: 7p.m., Room 201, 7150 Republic Airport, Farmingdale. For more information, call (631) 752-7707 ext. 6109 or email info@ republicairport.net

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-2207808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

•Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3000.

•Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.

•Amityville School District Board of Education Work Session: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, please call (631)-565-6000

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

Photo Credit/Universiy of Montreal

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Mark Donnelly of Babylon installed as president of LI Board of Realtors

Mark T. Donnelly of Babylon was installed as the 2025 president of the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) during the association’s installation and awards event on January 23 in Garden City. The event also saw the installation of LIBOR’s executive officers and board of directors.

Donnelly, a licensed associate broker, will serve as the 84th president of LIBOR, a not-for-profit trade association that represents 30,000 real estate professionals across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.

Since earning his real estate license in 2009, Donnelly has built a strong reputation for his client-focused approach. By combining formal education with advanced marketing strategies, he consistently delivers results that ensure a rewarding experience for every client.

As the leader of TEAM MAE, Donnelly works alongside his wife, Amy Donnelly, his sister-in-law, Emily Catik, and his mother, Susan Catik. The team embraces the motto “Real Estate is our Passion,” prioritizing top-notch service and client satisfaction.

Donnelly is also a career advancement coach at Howard Hanna/Coach Realtors where he mentors both new and seasoned agents, helping them navigate their professional transitions and grow their businesses.

brokerage.

“I am truly honored to serve as the 2025 president of the Long Island Board of Realtors,” Donnelly said. “This year, my focus is to engage our members, collaborate across the industry, and elevate our collective efforts to advance the real estate profession. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and inspire the next generation of real estate leaders.”

Beyond his real estate career, Donnelly co-founded Long Island Cheer in 2006, which has since become the largest cheerleading training facility in Long Island, earning national and international recognition.

Fifth annual MLK Portrait Project exhibition now on view at SCCC

The Fifth Annual MLK Portrait Project exhibition is now on view at the Suffolk County Community College Eastern Campus’ Lyceum Gallery, Montaukett Learning Resource Center on the Riverhead Campus through March 7. A reception will be held on Thursday, February 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

In homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, local high school art students have created collaborative mosaic portraits of civil rights heroes. All portrait proceeds will support the EEA’s Scholarship Fund. Visit https://eastendarts.org/featuredevents/mlk-portrait-auction/ for more information.

There are two special programs in

conjunction with the exhibit: • Traciana Graves will present “Empowerment Through Adversity” on February 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Montaukett Learning Resource Center, Room 107/108.

• Black History & Black Inventions Display will be on view from February 18 through 25 in the Montaukett Learning Resource Center, Room 107/108. Visitors can learn about Black History through the individuals who helped shape the world with their inventions. Artifacts will be displayed during the week.

Gallery hours are: Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. and Friday: 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Saturday and Sunday and President’s Day, Feb. 17.

WI Class of ‘75 holding

reunion

The West Islip High School Class of 1975 is holding a class reunion July 19 at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore.

For details, visit/join the organization’s Facebook page: West Islip High School Class of 1975 Or call 516-456-3207 and leave a message.

Amityville thrives when adversity hits

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

Amityville’s boys’ basketball team has been a powerhouse in Suffolk County basketball and finds itself in a tight race atop the League V standings.

While the formula for success remains unchanged, the ability to overcome adversity and consistently put in maximum effort is what sets them apart. “The key to our success has always been the same,” said head coach Jack Agostino. “Sticking together, staying focused, and giving our best effort on the court goes a long way.”

One of Amityville’s defining qualities is their resilience in the face of adversity. This was particularly evident in some of its recent games, where it faced significant challenges but refused to give up. In a matchup against Hauppauge on Jan. 8, the Warriors were trailing by a dozen at halftime. However, instead of letting the game slip away, the players rallied together, fought hard, and mounted a comeback to secure the 64-61 victory.

Similarly, in a nail-biting game against Wyandanch on Jan. 14, the Warriors fell behind again but showed their mettle, only to lose on a heart-wrenching buzzer-beater. “Our ability to deal with adversity is crucial,” Agostino said. “We have continued to bounce back so well.”

There are moments when some players need a little extra encouragement and that’s where the strength of their team chemistry really shines. “The highs and lows of each game are so unpredictable,” said Agostino. “But it’s about maintaining focus and lifting each other up.”

Whether it’s lifting up a teammate who’s struggling or staying focused when things aren’t going their way, Amityville’s success relies on its ability to stay united through thick and thin. The team enters this week 11-2 in League V and 12-5 overall.

Leading the way offensively is junior guard Amir Dickerson, who is tied for third in Suffolk County in points per game with 24.3. “His talent and versatility are such game changers for us,” said Agostino.

Alongside Dickerson, it’s the depth of the roster that makes the Warriors so dan-

HERALD SPORTS North Babylon wins league, playoffs next

Ron Manfredi/Herald Allen Dodson-Isabell and the Warriors enter the home stretch of the season with an 11-2 record in League V.

gerous. Sophomore guard Allen DodsonIasbell, junior guard Wes Flythe who is fresh off a 14-point performance in the win against Half Hollow Hills West on Feb. 1, senior guard DaJon Clinton, and junior forward Jordan Hines are all players who can take over a game at any moment.

“They each have the ability to score 20 points on any given night,” Agostino said. “They provide the kind of unpredictability that keeps our opponents on its toes at all times.”

Another key contributor is freshman forward Taki Mason, who Agostino calls the “heart and soul of the team.”

As the season progresses, the Warriors continue to demonstrate the values of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. Though expectations have remained steady over the years, the goals are always high.

“Making the playoffs is a consistent goal,” Agostino said. “But we are now aiming for a league championship, which seems very possible if we play to our potential.”

However, Agostino knows the journey won’t be easy. “Winning the league is a long shot, but we’re focused on taking it one game at a time.”

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

The North Babylon girls’ basketball team has been steadily growing, with an undeniable focus on success.

Thanks to a perfect mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented sophomores, the Bulldogs are locked into first place in the Suffolk County League III standings with a 10-1 record with one game remaining.

As the season progresses, the Bulldogs are feeling more confident, and their expectations have shifted from simply aiming to win the league to now believing they can take home the county championship. “This team has an outrageous amount of potential,” head coach Matt Gianelli said.

One of the key factors in this rise is the leadership of senior guard Jasmine McKay. “Her influence on and off the court has been nothing short of transformative,” said Gianelli. “She has emerged as the heart and soul of the team, consistently setting a tone of hard work and dedication.” She currently leads all of Suffolk County in points per game at 25.1. “Her leadership is contagious and her ability to get everyone involved has been key to our success so far,” Gianelli added.

The Bulldogs have a young roster but that has not slowed them down. The team features nine sophomores on it including key contributors such as forward Olivia Rush, guard Dakota Rivers, forward Molly Oak, and guard Madison Murdocco.

“We’ve seen so much improvement from our younger players,” Gianelli said. “They’ve really stepped up and have become vital parts of this group. It’s exciting to see how much better everyone is getting every day.” Other key pieces include guard Malia Coakley and forward Kariyana Pernell.

While North Babylon still has a mix of younger and older players, the underclassmen have stepped up and gained confidence as the season has unfolded, the coach noted. The growth of the sophomores, both in terms of individual skill and team dynamics, has given them a depth they hadn’t expected earlier in the year.

From day one, the goal for the Bulldogs has been clear. They want to be county champions.

North Babylon (13-4 overall) went a perfect 7-0 in January with two victories over Smithtown East and one apiece over Copiague, Huntington, Northport, Newfield and Half Hollow Hills East.

McKay had 26 points while Rush and Coakley chipped in 9 apiece Jan. 30 to lead a 52-37 win at Smithtown East.

The renewed confidence is reflected in their intense focus during practices and games. “Every drill is approached with a purpose, every opponent is treated with respect, and every play is a chance to get better,” said Gianelli. “I think our expectations have definitely risen. At the start of the season, we were focused on winning our league, but now we all believe we can win the county. We’re more than capable of doing that, and we’re going to do everything we can to get there.”

The county finals are set for March 9 at Farmingdale State College.

Erik Lee/Herald

Olivia Rush chipped in 9 points Jan. 30 as the Bulldogs completed a perfect 7-0 January by beating Smithtown East.

Amityville educators name Janine O’Connor director of personnel services and special ed

Janine O’Connor has been named the director for pupil personnel services and special education in the Amityville School District. She replaces Dr. Virginia Figueroa.

O’Connor attended Long Island University-C.W. Post where she received a Bachelor and a Master of Science degrees in general education and special education.

O’Connor’s career in education began as a teacher aide at Nassau BOCES, where she worked with special education students. In addition to her teaching experience, she earned her school district leader and school building leader certification from The College of Saint Rose, and she spent the past three years as a special education administrator in the Patchogue-Medford school district.

“I take pride in my ability to collaborate with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families to create environments where all students can succeed,” she said.

During the summer months, O’Connor served as the Extended School Year coordinator in the Floral Park-Bellerose school district, which enhanced her ability to lead and support diverse learning needs. Throughout her career, O’Connor has remained dedicated to promoting academic excellence, nurturing student growth, and fostering a sense of community within the schools she has served. She believes that every student can succeed when provided with the necessary resources, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive.

Janine O’Connor

“As I step into my new role here in Amityville, I bring with me a strong commitment to student-centered leadership and a passion for fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments,” she said. “I am excited about the journey ahead, and together, we will continue to build upon the traditions of excellence that define the Amityville Union Free School District.”

U. S. Power Squadrons plan boating courses

The United States Power Squadrons is offering course dates and locations for upcoming safe boating courses as follows:

• Great South Bay, America’s Boating Course, West Islip Library, 3 Higbie La., West Islip, March 4, 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30. For more information contact Michael Boland at 631-290-8096, or email him at: bolandmichael123@gmail.com

• Captree Squadron, Babylon pool building, 151 Phelps La., North Babylon,

March 3 and 29, 9 a.m. The cost is $60. For more information or to sign up for the course contact Eugene Johnson at 631-921-3403, or email him at pwrbtr@ aol.com

To access the latest list of safe boating courses and seminars on Long Island, go to https://shorturl.at/Qp0Df. For additional information about the United States Power Squadrons call 516-312-2167 or visit one of the web sites listed below.

BACCA commemorative journal on sale

BACCA has created a commemorative art journal in celebration of 50 years of the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts. The commemorative art journal features the work of 33 local artists, all of whom are BACCA members.

To purchase your own copy of this full-color, 52-page, 5-1/2’’ x 8-1/2’’ artfully designed book, visit their donations page at babylonarts.org/support-bacca. For more information, call (631) 5873696

A story that ran in the Record Jan. 30 (Crossroads Farm and Dominican Sisters are cultivating a new partnership—and a bountiful summer garlic crop) incorrectly stated the location of the farm, which is on the property of the Sisters of St. Dominic.

BACCA offering its commemorative Art Journal; on sale now NEWS BRIEFS

BACCA has created a commemorative art journal in celebration of 50 years of the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts.

The commemorative art journal features the work of 33 local artists, all of whom are BACCA members.

To purchase your own copy of this full-color, 52-page, 5-1/2’’ x 8-1/2’’ artfully designed book, pleas visit their donations page at babylonarts.org/supportbacca.

For more information, please call (631) 587-3696

Amityville Chamber of Commerce

sets membership meeting at Amity Ales

The Amityville Chamber of Commerce will be holding its next membership meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Amity Ales Brewpub and Eatery from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

The chamber invites all to attend this meeting, which will feature guest speak-

er Michael Todesco, CEO of Apprenticeship Connections and Consulting Corp. Amity Ales is located at 192 Broadway, Amityville.

For more information, call (631) 5525673 or visit amityvillechamber.org.

Meet some of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

• Taylor Rollins of Amityville, attending Western New England University, was recently named to the Dean’s List. Rollins is working toward a BS in Criminal Justice.

• Jewel Perlow of Amityville, attending SUNY Oneonta, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

• Jacek Targanski of Copiague, attending SUNY Oneonta, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

• Scott Ratanski of Amityville, attending Southern New Hampshire Universi-

ty, was recently named to the President’s List.

• Emely Banegas of Copiague, attending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

• Win Inlaw of Amityville, attending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

• Casey Meany of Copiague, attending the University at Buffalo, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

• Adriana Orellana of Copiague, assigned to the 1501st Quartermaster Company of the New York Army National Guard, recently received a promotion to the rank of sergeant.

Photo courtesy/Amityville School District

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Copiague kindergartners develop colorful story skills

Deauville Gardens West Elementary School kindergartners in Copiague began the new year by focusing on their literacy skills.

As part of an interactive assignment, students in Raquel Collado’s class read “Cats Colors” by Jane Cabrera, a book that teaches about different colors, before completing a writing assignment. Using descriptive words and their artistic talents, the kindergartners wrote about one of the many shades they explored in the book and then brought their favorite to life by creating a drawing of an object that best represented the color.

In Danielle Jacob’s class, kindergartners learned about the different elements of a story such as setting, characters, plot and theme. After reading the fairytale “The Gingerbread Man,” students focused specifically on its setting. They explored how stories portray this literary element in different ways, then brainstormed unique and exciting places for their gingerbread friend to visit.

Kindergarten students at Deauville

Parent-teacher coalition to host annual Bingo and Silent Auction in Amityville

The Amityville Parent-Teacher Coalition will be hosting their annual Supermarket Bingo and Silent Auction on Friday, March 7 at Edmund W. Miles Middle School. Through the raffling of donated goods and services, the APTC raises funds for several events and activities provided to the children in the Amityville school district. Over the years, APTC has purchased school spirit shirts, holiday gifts for families in need, granted scholarships and more. The coalition is also asking for raffle donations in the form of gift certificates for services or merchandise, or even unwanted new or unused items. Baskets are also needed.

They request that all donations be made by Saturday, March 1. To donate and for more information, call (631) 565-6000.

Edmund W. Miles Middle School is located at 501 Broadway, Amityville.

Photos courtesy of Copiague School District

Gardens West Elementary School worked on their literacy skills

Holocaust survivor,

Arnie Newfield speaks at Copiague Library

Arnie Newfield, a Holocaust survivor spoke at the Copiague library recently before a group of approximately 60 people.

Newfield’s family fled Vienna in 1938. He was born in Westerbork, a transit camp in the Netherlands, a couple years later. The family was then separated, and his father sent to Buchenwald. Meanwhile, he, along with his mother and two older brothers were sent to Ravensbruck, and then to Bergen Belsen where they were liberated. For more information on the library and its events go to copiaguelibrary. org, or call 631-691-1111. The library is at 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

Meet

some

of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

• Justin Mossey of Amity Harbor, attending the State University of New York at Potsdam as a Computer Science major, was recently named to the President’s List.

• The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at SUNY New Paltz: Erin Holzwarth of Amityville; Michael Liebowitz of Amityville; Caitlin Parker of Amityville and Kathryn Wood of Amityville.

• The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at Hofstra University: Joseph Falco of Copiague; Elizabeth Gribbon of Amityville; Diana Imbert of Amityville; Joshua Jagnarine of Copiague; Eric Vila of Copiague and Matthew Zylberberg of Amityville.

• Jared M. Dieck of Amityville, attending SUNY Canton as a Forensic Criminology major, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

The following students were re-

Festive Lunar New Year celebration at Northeast Elementary School

On Jan. 28, Amityville’s youngest students at Northeast Elementary School learned everything about Lunar New Year during the school’s festive parade.

During this culminating activity, pre-K students learned about the significance of the Lunar New Year and the amazing traditions. From wearing decorative crowns to carrying lanterns and noisemakers, students proudly marched around the school as they celebrated the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition and transformation.

Faculty and staff members throughout the building watched and cheered on the students as traditional Chinese music played over the loudspeaker. Additionally, many of the students and staff members wore red, which symbolizes good luck, energy and happiness.

cently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

• The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at The University of Scranton: Nicholas D. SanFilippo of Amityville, a freshman Cybercrime and Homeland Security major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences; Michael K. Casey of Amityville, a junior Criminal Justice major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences; Lauren N. DeSantis of Copiague, a junior English major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Brendan M. Casey of Amityville, a junior undeclared major in the University’s Kania School of Management.

• The follow students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Island: Abby Antonellis of Amityville; Michael Deegan of Amityville; Leah Tilocca of Amityville and Marcela Torres of Copiague.

• Halle Moore of Copiague, attending the University at Albany and majoring in Sociology, recently earned the Dean’s Letter of Commendation.

Photos courtesy/Amityville School District

Bill would allow schools to opt-out of NY’s electric bus mandate

buses cost two to four times more than traditional buses. One analysis estimated that it could cost between $8 billion and $15.25 billion for school districts to transition their fleets from gas-powered to electric buses.

Brown also noted that the costs of infrastructure and facility upgrades were not included in these estimates.

Brown emphasized that New York’s school districts are diverse, both geographically and socioeconomically.

“We need to address the concerns of districts statewide and either reconsider this mandate or give schools the option to opt out,” he said.

Meanwhile local school superintendents expressed support of the mea -

“School district superintendents, board members, and educators recognize the environmental benefits of reducing vehicle emissions, but they also understand the financial and logistical challenges this transition poses,” Brown said. “School districts work with tight budgets, and the unpredictability of costs—along with issues like electrical capacity, infrastructure, and energy efficiency—varies widely by district.”

Copiague students honored at Recognition Awards Ceremony

Superintendent

To celebrate the achievements of its student body, Copiague School District held a Student Recognition Awards ceremony at Copiague Middle School on Monday, Jan. 27. Surrounded by administrators, board of education members, family, friends and faculty, students were recognized for their hard work in academics and dedication both in and out of the classroom.

Held twice a year, the awards ceremony recognizes students nominated for their efforts by administrators, teachers and staff in their respective buildings and selected by the Copiague Board of Education.

“Publicly recognizing excellence is our way of celebrating some of the great successes of the Copiague Public Schools’ programs and, at the same time, enabling us to showcase outstanding role models to our community,” said Copiague School District Superintendent of

Photos Courtesy/Copiague Schools

Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Deauville Gardens East Elementary School: Adriel Ortez Vasquez and Kobe Watlington; Deauville Gardens West Elementary School: Alexandria Paulino and Arianna Quispe Lopez; Great Neck Road Elementary School: Addyson Arce and Jayla Smith; Susan E. Wiley Elementary School: Christopher J. James Ballaera, Naomy Gonzalez, Jayden Manzanares Rubio and Isla Miller; Copiague Middle School: Gabriella Ng Agtuca, Tristan Andrews, Adele Collado, Aryana Matusewicz, Emely Moran, Jireth A. Orellana Perez and Sofia Soares and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School: Valery Cedeno, Rhianna Coleman, Samari Cooper, Adonai Adam Guglielmelli, Angelina Ramos, Adam Schimmoller Jr. and Kristina Wendel.

sure, citing the diverse financial landscapes of schools across New York and the need to provide adequate funding or flexibility to ensure that the transition to electric buses does not compromise the quality of education to students.

“As a district with its own transportation fleet, we have significant concerns about the financial impact of transitioning to zero-emission buses, including the high cost of electric vehicles and necessary charging infrastructure,” said Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, West Babylon’s superintendent. “We welcome any opportunity to discuss potential delays or an opt-out option to ensure a fiscally responsible approach while maintaining safe and reliable student transportation.”

Dr. Gina Talbert, Amityville Superintendent of Schools, noted that the school district outsources its transportation services to a local contractor.

“Local bus companies are already experiencing significant financial pressures due to rising costs in personnel and maintenance required to operate existing bus services,” she

said. The transition to electric buses, while environmentally beneficial, is anticipated to further escalate these expenses, posing a substantial challenge to our already stretched budget.”

In a statement from the Deer Park School District, officials said they also supported putting the EV mandate on pause. The Deer Park school maintains its own bus fleet and expressed strong concerns about the financial and practical impact such a mandate would carry.

Through feasibility studies, we have found that 20% of our current bus runs cannot be handled by an electric bus, said James Cummings, superintendent of Deer Park schools. “Our district would need to fund a capital project to expand our bus yard, whereby reducing field space currently used by the community to safely accommodate new buses. This, when coupled with the fact that electric buses are 3-4 times more expensive than gas ones, elicits great concern for the monetary impact such a mandate would carry on our budget, even with the limited number of grants that may be available.”

SMITH FOR MAYOR SATURDAY February 8, 2025 3pm-5pm

“The Smith Party” Donations will be accepted at the Door or mailed to The Smith Party 37 County Line Rd, NY 11701 smith4mayor2025@gmail.com

Naomy Gonzales with

Dr. Kathleen Bannon

Learning and fun go hand in hand for the kindergarteners at Great Neck Road Elementary School in Copiague. In Brionna Silva’s class, students are practicing their math skills in a fun, interactive way. Silva set up five bowling pins in the classroom, and the students used their 10-frame boards to play. After rolling the bowling ball, they subtracted the number of pins knocked down from the total on their 10-frame.

For students in Dayna Clair and Amanda Bosch’s class, a Fundations lesson mimicked a playful snowball toss. Using current unit vocabulary from the literacy program, the instructors wrote different letters and words on small pieces of paper. Each student received a word and crumpled it into a ball. After scattering the snowballs around the room, students picked one up and either read the word aloud or created a word using the letter.

Photos courtesy of Copiague School District

BE A HERO

Chambers workshop focuses on marketing

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nassau County small businesses gathered to learn about cutting-edge digital marketing strategies from Richner Communications’ Lori Berger at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Roslyn, on Jan. 21.

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce organized a series of workshops to help local businesses thrive in 2025, sharing information about computer systems, financial planning and communications and marketing. Berger was a presenter for two marketing classes: one in Malverne, on Jan. 14, and the class a week later in Roslyn.

“I’m so passionate about helping people and small businesses with marketing,” Berger said. “We’re a community newspaper company. That’s what we do.”

Her presentation walked attendees through four core aspects of marketing: offline, social media, E-commerce and websites.

The marketing presentation was for businesses in Zone 1, north of Route 25, and it was attended by about 50 small business leaders from throughout the zone. The workshop was made possible by a Nassau County Technical Services grant, which is designed to help the local economy by offering guidance to small businesses free of charge.

Ira Reiter is a co-owner of the Barking Biscuit with his wife, Hillary, and president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce. Their business took off five years ago, around the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Social media proved to be a vital tool that helped their to succeed.

Richner Communications offered complimentary one-on-one meetings for all attending businesses to review their search engine optimization and social

media presence — a service Reiter intends to follow up on.

“We are looking forward to it — were just hoping that we can absorb everything,” Reiter said. “So much, and so much fantastic information that came out of last night, and it will help us with our online presence.”

The workshop encouraged Reiter to use Geo-Fencing, a technique to target advertisements to potential customers in a specific area.

Janna Rodriguez, founder of the Innovative Daycare Corp., in Freeport, has been helping children learn and grow for 12 years. “We’ve created a strong support system between the families, the community, the educators and the other organizations that we partner with,” she said.

The NCCC provides a service that makes entrepreneurship much more accessible in Nassau County, Rodriguez said. “The reason that I was interested in marketing is because small businesses, such as myself, find it very difficult to be able to hire a marketing consultant, especially when you’re first starting up,” she said.

In the workshop she discovered that her business comes up on the front page of search engines, and she was advised her to plan more content for Facebook and Instagram.

This was the first time the NCCC has offered classes at no cost, according to Russel Green, a board member of the council and president of the Syosset and Woodbury Chambers of Commerce.

A Chamber “allows other businesses and individuals in the community to know who you are and when you’re starting,” Green said. “We’ll support you, hopefully, for many, many years.”

To learn more about the NCCC and future events, visit ncchambers.org.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

About 50 small businesses owners gathered at Roslyn’s Hilton Garden Inn on Jan. 21 to learn about digital marketing with Lori Berger, of Richner Communications.

STEPPING OUT

SCORE BIG on

Super Sunday

Go for the ‘tasty ‘win’

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year. The big game — on Feb. 9 — is great opportunity for casual winter entertaining.

Thrilling plays, must-see commercials and your pals are all quintessential elements of the perfect game-day get-together. Of course that game on the big screen is the main focus, but plenty of action takes place around the table — keeping everyone well fed is a sport in itself.

While crowd-pleasing Buffalo flavor-inspired foods and football always seem to go together, think beyond those traditional flavors for a new twist on your Super Bowl cuisine.

Baked Spinach and Chicken Dip

A tasty dip is always a winner. Try this flavorful, creamy variation — in addition to the guacamole.

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped Heat oven to 375 F.

In microwave-safe medium bowl, add cream cheese and dressing. Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until cream cheese is soft. Stir to combine. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add chicken and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to baking dish that holds at least 6 cups. Bake 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 F.

Serve with crackers, bread or veggie sticks.

Note: If you like it spicy, substitute a chipotle ranch

dressing and add diced pickled jalapenos. To make ahead, prepare unbaked dip up to 3 days ahead; store covered and refrigerated. Bake prior to serving.

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza

Instead of the pizza delivery, get creative with “garlic bread” version.

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta

• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated

Parmesan, divided

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt

• 3/4 cup pizza sauce

• 1 cup mini pepperoni

• 2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt. Transfer mixture to a 9”-x13” baking dish then spread pizza sauce on top. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and pepperoni.

Halve biscuits and roll into balls, then place on top of dip.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, and parsley. Brush on biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

Bake until biscuits are golden and cheese is melty, about 45 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil and bake until biscuits are cooked

through, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Barbecue Three Bean Chili

Step up your chili with a barbecue twist.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder

• 1/2 tablespoon cumin

• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

• 26-28 ounces crushed or chopped tomatoes

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Chili fixin’s: shredded Mexican cheese, avocado, jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, fresh tomato, corn chips, and salsa are all great additions.

Over medium heat, saute onion and carrots in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and spices and saute another minute. Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth and simmer over low heat until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in the corn, beans, and barbecie sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder and cumin to spice up if necessary. Simmer another 5 minutes or until ready to eat. Serve with your favorite chili add-ons.

Sheng Wang

With his signature laid-back style, as showcased in his Netflix special “Sweet & Juicy” produced and directed by Ali Wong, comedianactor-writer Sheng Wang brings his hilarious standup to the Paramount stage. Wang is now truly coming into his own. Two decades of performing has taken him from doing stand-up for touristy audiences in New York to a successful Netflix special, “Sweet and Juicy,” produced and directed by Ali Wong. He mines comedy from the mundane, everyday parts of life — from the meditative ritual that is shopping at Costco to how to get maximum value from health insurance. Because he’s from Texas, Wang also speaks with a slight Southern drawl, giving a relaxed quality to his delivery. Among his other credits, Wang was a featured standup on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and wrote for ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat.” Wang now resides in L.A. and in his time explores botanical gardens and new ways to snack.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Boyz II Men

R&B superstars Boyz II Men are always in the groove. They arrive at Tilles Center with their soulful multi-octave sound and incredible vocals, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Given the monumental success of their albums and the timeless quality of their vocals, it’s easy to see why they remain one of the most popular R&B groups of all time. Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across generations. Their four Grammys are just the tip of the iceberg. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group, with an astounding 64 million albums sold. And the reason is abundantly clear. For the past three-plus decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. And for Boyz II Men, the hits just keep on coming.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Technology assistance

Amityville Public Library invites residents to meet with their tech and have all technology related questions answered. Bring in your cell phone, laptop, iPhone, Android or any tech-related questions for help navigating this everchanging world of technology. Call (631) 264-0567 or visit the reference desk to schedule an appointment. Amityville Public Library,19 John St., Amityville.

Crafts and Cocktails

The Whaling Museum presents Crafts and Cocktails, Sailor’s Valentine, Thursday, Feb.

13, 6:30-8 p.m. Discover the surprising history behind Sailor’s Valentines and intricate seashell mosaics sailors often brought back from their travels. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a fizzy guava cocktail or mocktail as you create a miniature Sailor’s Valentine for yourself or a loved one. $35, $25 for members. For more information, visit cshwhalingmuseum.org, call (631) 367-3418 or email info@ cshwhalingmuseum.org. 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor.

One-on-one career coaching

A tenured career counselor with 15 years of experience is available at Amityville Public Library, Monday, Feb. 10. She can assist with resume writing, cover letters, career transition/ direction advice, job searching tips, job market analysis and mock interviewing. Registration is required. To register for an appointment and for more information, call (631) 2640567. 19 John St., Amityville.

Get your Amityville Flag

Did you know that the Amityville Historical Society, housed in the lauder Museum, has the famous Amityville Flags in stock? Museum is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Cost is $65; if you are a member or join the Historical Society, you receive a 10% discount on not only the flags but all items in the gift shop. Stop by the museum at 170 Broadway, Amityville, to purchase one of these flags and tour the Museum. Admission is free. For questions,call (631) 598-1486.

Having an event?

BACCA’s art classes teturn

Babylon Citizen Council of Arts offers pastellists and colored-pencil artists to study their medium of choic through March 31, 6-8 p.m. Instructor Marlene Bezich provides individual attention to both mediums through demonstrations and lectures. All students will be encouraged to broaden their knowledge through challenging subjects and diverse techniques. All levels of experience welcome.

On Thursdays, Feb. 6-27, 1:30-3:30 p.m., an 8-week course on independent oils and acrylics is offered, where students share studio space and work on self-guided projects under the advisory of Phyllis George. She will be present every three weeks to review the students’ work and guide them to completion The cost for each class is $125 for BACCA members and $175 for non-members. Babylon Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, N. Babylon. Go to babylonarts. org/art-classes for more information and registration.

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.

Art League of Long Island’s 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition

Art League of Long Island presents its 68th Annual Members’ Exhibition, a showcase of the remarkable talents within its vibrant community of artists. The exhibit, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery, features an array of works from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts. This annual event is a cherished tradition that highlights the diversity and creativity of ALLI’s over 400 memberships. From emerging artists embarking on their creative journey to seasoned professionals, each participant demonstrates the profound artistic spirit that fuels the Art League of Long Island’s mission.

It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate creativity across mediums and generations. Due to the high volume of submissions, the exhibition is split into two parts, with Part I showcasing artists with last names M-Z and Part II with last names A-L. This format alternates each year, ensuring equal opportunities for members to shine. Part II runs through Feb. 28. For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events, or how to support the Art League of Long Island, visit .artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400. Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills.

St. Martin of Tours religious education classes

St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville offers religious education classes for grades 1-8. Classes meet once a week and sacrament preparation is offered for all ages, including high school level. Religious education begins in grade 1 and First Communion and First Reconciliation is a twoyear preparation. Sacraments are received at the end of the second year. All are welcome to register. Online forms can be found at stmartinamityville.com/religious-education/ 41 Union Avenue, Amityville. For information, call (631) 691-1617.

Experiencing the Soul

The four essential practices of gratitude, contentment, compassion, and forgiveness are explored in an eight-part meditation workshop series at Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, continuing Tuesdays, Feb.11, 18, and 25; March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 7-9 p.m. Each class is a standalone workshop. No prior knowledge needed. Speaker Andrew Vidich discusses how gratitude, contentment, compassion, and forgiveness deepen our meditations and open our hearts to our authentic selves. For information and to register, call (631) 822-7979, (888) 666-1990, or go to sos.org/location/amityville. 79 County Line Road, Amityville.

Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the special man in your life

A holiday devoted to love and affection is nestled in the middle of the chilly days of February. Valentine’s Day is a big day for retailers, and many advertising campaigns focus on gifting women everything from jewelry to chocolate to stuffed animals. That focus may not be unwarranted, but men also deserve tokens of love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day.

With February 14 right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about shopping for items that show you care. Consider this list of carefully curated gifts that can provide inspiration for gifting the special man in your life.

• Gaming gear: The appeal of video games is hard to ignore. A new report from the gaming industry researchers at DFC Intelligence indicates that billions of people across the globe people play video games. The next gaming generation is approaching with the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Gift ideas can include consoles and peripherals like headsets, gaming chairs and laptop keyboards, among others.

• At-home luxury: Some men steer clear of massage therapy clinics or spas. That doesn’t mean they should forgo the benefits of a deep massage. With a portable back and neck shiatsu massager, he can enjoy a massage while watching the game or streaming movies or television shows.

• Treat bouquet: Floral bouquets may

be unusual gifts for men, but a bouquet of another sort certainly may be a winning Valentine’s Day gift. More and more companies are getting creative with food bouquets. From cupcake bouquets that require a double-take to ensure they’re edible to exotic jerky bouquets, there are items to tempt every palate.

• Cordless earbuds or headphones: Fitness enthusiasts, movie lovers or music fans know that the freedom to move around can be impeded by cords on headphones and earbuds. A new pair of Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones can be just the thing to make men smile this Valentine’s Day.

• Coffee mill: Many people are sticking closer to home these days. That may mean skipping a favorite coffee shop and barista on the way to work, and brewing a cup of Joe before heading to the home office. According to Sam Spillman of Dillanos Coffee Roasters near Seattle, the 2019 Barista winner of the U.S. Coffee Championships, coffee loses flavor minutes after it is ground. Buying whole beans and grinding fresh before every brew ensures a more flavorful cup. Gifting a coffee grinder, particularly a burr grinder, can help improve the taste of that morning brew.

These are just some of the many gift ideas to make men smile this Valentine’s Day.

Popular Valentine’s Day traditions

Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well.

Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.

Handwritten cards

It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.

Pampering gentlemen

It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with

such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.

Bouquets

These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.

Puzzle purses

Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.

Heart-shaped chocolate boxes

British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heartshaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.

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Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB d/b/a Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust I, Plaintiff AGAINST Linda Morris a/k/a Linda Morris Jackson, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated November 25, 2024 and entered on December 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., North Lindenhurst, NY on February 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM premises known as 2712 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 122.00, BLOCK: 02.00, LOT: 047.13. Approximate amount of judgment is $113,156.45 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 206773/2022. Robert Fuchs, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP

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at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on March 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m., premises known as 72 East June Street, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 128.00, Block 01.00 and Lot 082.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $144,604.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611399/2020. Thomas A. Abbate, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 232037-1 25-220. 2/5, 12, 19, 26

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Do we have beams we don’t need?

MASSAPEQUA:

Q. We were meeting with our contractor during our home reconstruction, literally tearing the entire house apart and adding a floor. He introduced his “framer,” who was polite but left us with concern. He said the beams going across our house were “overkill.” The beams support a new balcony and high ceilings, so our foyer and living room are two stories tall, very dramatic, and we love what our architect did. We started wondering if we had overpaid for beams that maybe we didn’t need, since the framer said the structure was much more than necessary. Should we ask our architect for an explanation, or just let it go? Construction isn’t cheap, and we understand that, but there is concern about spending more than needed. What do you suggest?

A. Let it go. What you’re experiencing is common and frustrating to hear, because there are so many aspects to designing a building, and I wonder if your framer understands. For example, beams are designed for much more than carrying material loads. Roof beams must carry what we call “dead” loads as well as “live” loads, such as wind and heavy snow.

I have asked framers who have made these statements if they were aware of the several different code-required load capacities a beam is subjected to, to which they either answer, honestly, that they aren’t sure, or make remarks like, “Well, that’s your job,” or “I just know this is overkill.” They just know. And they probably don’t, or they could explain.

Wind impacts buildings in many ways, and is considered a load with multiple effects, requiring calculations, for your safety, to keep the walls and roof from tearing away, or lifting off the house, or crushing down on you in a push-and-pull manner that wind naturally has. Then there are connectors to attach everything. These braces, stirrups and saddles keep structure from pulling apart, but each type comes with engineered calculations.

We often start selecting beams, rafters and joist sizes based on stringent energy codes, which dictate that you must have certain thicknesses of insulation, to prevent heat from escaping quickly or causing your air conditioning to work constantly from heat migrating inward. If you choose the more expensive compact foam insulation, which has greater resistance per inch to heat gain and loss, then we can sometimes reduce the size of some structure. But if you choose less costly fiberglass insulation, which looks like cotton candy, the structure must be deeper, taller, larger — however you can describe it — to accommodate the required insulation thickness.

Larger rafters and joists weigh more, and their angled end cuts require deeper-sized beams to join them. So now you know part of why those beams probably aren’t “overkill,” and why your framer should do a different kind of “home-work” before professing his knowledge. A building is a large jigsaw puzzle of custom parts, and “under-kill” can lead to disaster. Will the framer be there to take responsibility? Good luck!

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An inauguration that was decidedly different

Last month I traveled to Washington, joining many Nassau County Republicans, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman and GOP Chairman Joe Cairo, to celebrate the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 47th president. Beginning with Richard Nixon’s second inaugural in 1972, I had attended 10 previous ones, seven of them during my 28 years in Congress.

This year’s event was certainly memorable, and not just because the tundra-like weather forced the ceremony indoors. From the moment I arrived at the historic Mayflower Hotel, where many of New York’s elected officials and party leaders were staying, I was struck by the extraordinary level of excitement, enthusiasm and hope. This was significantly different from Trump’s first inaugural in 2017, when, though he had many strong supporters, there was an air of uncertainty about whether his administration would hit the ground running. There had been multiple leaks from the Trump camp and a number of his top cabinet officials, like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had no previous

connection to Trump or any political or governmental experience.

This time around, Trump was striding into Washington as a conquering hero who had made the greatest political comeback of any president in history. And he was as prepared for action as any of his predecessors. There was no doubt he would hit the ground running.

The cold and the intense security made getting around Washington more difficult than I remember for any previous inauguration. Cairo and I were in a car for almost two hours, encountering constant roadblocks and rerouting as we tried to get to a Newsmax event at the relatively nearby Andrew Mellon Auditorium, before we gave up and returned to the Mayflower, where New York was staging its Inaugural Party, featuring Elise Stefanik, the upstate congresswoman and the nominee for ambassador to the United Nations.

old friends and prominent officials gathered to reminisce and share the latest news and rumors.

Trump’s inaugural address was truly unique. No president has ever been so direct or detailed, as he laid out the specifics of his agenda and the myriad executive orders he would be issuing on everything from border security to energy production. He was unsparing in his criticism of what he saw as the terrible failings of the Biden administration — all of this as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sat just several feet away.

iwas struck by the extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.

But none of this dampened the spirit of hope and optimism. The Mayflower event, the day before the inauguration, drew an overflow crowd of hundreds, who heard powerful speeches from EPA nominee Lee Zeldin, Congressman Mike Lawler and Blakeman. And there was always action in the hotel lobby, as

Ordinarily I would consider it wrong to disrespect a former president at an inaugural ceremony, but these are not ordinary times. Trump strongly believes that the Biden administration and its allies abused the legal system in attempts to destroy Trump with criminal prosecutions and bankrupt him and his family. Ironically, Trump didn’t know that just moments before his term expired, Biden had pardoned five members of his family.

The main impact of Trump’s address was that he would do all he could to change the direction of the country. The days of woke progressivism were over.

After the ceremonies, the president went to the Capitol One Arena for an

indoor version of the inaugural parade. I was particularly proud that one of the bands taking part was the NYPD Pipes & Drums. By some mistake, the band hadn’t been included in the original lineup, but when its leaders came to me just weeks before the inauguration, I was able to reach out to the Trump team and get it done.

The almost frenetic energy of the inauguration continued in the days that followed, as Trump signed one executive order after another. (While I strongly agreed with most of them, I believe it was wrong to issue blanket pardons to those who carried out violence against police officers and other law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite all the injustice carried out by the Justice Department against Trump, and the department’s failure to prosecute violent rioters on the left, these pardons cannot be defended.)

Trump has promised America a new Golden Age — an age in which American economic, diplomatic and military power will be respected around the world. An America where we will no longer be subject to government censorship and strangling bureaucratic regulations or be defined by race, religion or sexual preference. If he succeeds, it will indeed be an American Golden Age!

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

Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting

The beginning of a new year is a chance to clean the slate from 2024 and to look ahead to more positive things. If you have your health, when you aren’t at work, it’s a chance to enjoy taking long walks, squeezing in a vacation and maybe finding a good book to read. But to erase the 2024 board clean, it’s important to get some things off my chest. One of my pet peeves is our national airline system. These days it costs a lot of money to travel almost anywhere in the United States, and we’re often treated like cattle, unless you fly first class. Boarding the plane can be demeaning, and the seats are uncomfortable. For a round-trip costing $800, asking for an extra bag of pretzels shouldn’t be a big deal, but I’ve had a

few turn-downs on flights to Florida.

My wife has designated me the family shopper, and I don’t mind the periodic trips to the supermarket. My parents had a grocery store, so I know how to move quickly from aisle to aisle. I’m sure many readers have heard the term “shrinkflation,” which is rampant in supermarkets. Almost every item weighs less and costs more. My favorite boxes of cereal not only weigh half as much, but their contents don’t taste anything like they did when I was a child. Especially Kix and Rice Krispies.

Tgains are anything but.

o get a fresh start in the new year, it’s important to get some things off my chest.

Department store shopping was once an adventure. You could go from floor to floor, and it would take hours to go from the ground floor to the top. The shelves were once stacked with many interesting items, and the quality of the merchandise was pretty good. These days, though, there seem to be many less items for sale, and the so-called bar-

I’ve been a loyal Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. I try to get to at least two or three games a season, but the ticket prices can be staggering. I truly feel bad for a family with young kids who make an annual trip to the ballpark. The hot dogs, pizza and ice cream are costly, and if the kids want a few souvenirs, the outing can costs hundreds of dollars. Baseball owners need the revenues to pay high-priced players, but not everyone can afford to be a talent sponsor.

Going to a movie isn’t what it used to be, either. I recall childhood trips to theaters with my parents that were affordable and frequent. Once upon a time, theatergoers would even get some type of premium for buying a ticket. A movie ticket today can cost over $20, and if you and your companion want popcorn, candy or soda, the price of this night out is pretty high.

There are more things that bug me. I look at Facebook from time to time because it’s nice to see people celebrating happy occasions, but there is no shortage of party-poopers who insist on posting political barbs that are of no interest to most viewers. We’ve just survived a period of intense political bickering, and I’m not anxious to see a Facebook testimonial to a politician who my crazy uncle worships.

I have bad feelings about a lot of people both in and out of the political arena, but we’ll save that for another time. There are things going on right now that I could talk about for hours. I’ve chosen the things that upset all of my friends and neighbors as well, with little or no dissent. I’m sure I skipped over some of your annoyances, but I have a whole year to write about them.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

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GHerald editorial

Dialing up a possible cellphone plan

ov. Kathy Hochul’s newly unveiled plan to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York state has sparked robust discussion among educators, parents and policymakers.

With the goal of creating distractionfree learning environments, the proposal would direct schools to limit cellphone use throughout the school day while providing practical solutions for communication and storage. The initiative has notable advantages as well as challenges, warranting careful consideration as it moves forward and is considered by the State Legislature.

The primary argument in favor of Hochul’s plan is the undeniable distraction that the phones pose to students. Research consistently shows that smartphones can impede focus, reduce academic performance and foster excessive screen time. By eliminating unsanctioned use of the devices, students would be expected to engage more deeply with their lessons and their peers, improving their classroom experience, their grades and their interpersonal skills.

Hochul’s thinking also aligns with growing concerns about youth mental health. Excessive smartphone use, particularly on social media, has been linked to anxiety, depression and reduced self-esteem among adolescents. The governor’s effort builds on her earlier success in regulating addictive social media feeds for minors, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting the mental well-being of its youth.

The proposal also addresses safety concerns, a priority highlighted by law

letters

Randi shares the joy of books

To the Editor:

enforcement experts. Distracted students are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to be aware of their surroundings during emergencies. A focus on reducing these distractions could enhance student safety.

Allocating $13.5 million for smartphone storage solutions — such as pouches or cubbies — would ensure that schools, regardless of budget constraints, have access to the resources needed to implement the plan.

Despite its merits, however, the proposal raises several concerns. Chief among them is the potential challenge of enforcing the restrictions uniformly across diverse school settings. Administrators and teachers may find it difficult to monitor compliance, especially in larger schools with limited staff.

The plan also risks alienating students and parents who view cellphones as essential tools for communication and personal safety. While the initiative includes provisions for parents to contact their children during the school day, it may not fully address the anxieties of those who rely on immediate connectivity, particularly in emergencies.

Another issue is the reliance on alternative devices, such as school-issued tablets and laptops, for instruction. While these tools are permitted under the plan, they, too, can be distractions if not properly managed. Critics of Hochul’s plan argue that simply replacing smartphones with other internet-enabled devices may not fully eliminate the problem of divided attention in classrooms.

Exemptions outlined in the proposal — such as those for medical needs or individualized education programs —

Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time you read a book?”: As she stated, one of the great joys in life is having a wonderful book to read. I never go anywhere without one. I taught English on the junior and high school levels on Long Island for 39 years, and I loved it. I would do it all over again.

The exciting discussions I had with my students triggered by great literature were priceless. I loved teaching “Of Mice and Men”; “The Picture of Dorian Gray”; “Romeo and Juliet”; “The Great Gatsby”; my nominee for the greatest novel of all, “To Kill a Mockingbird”; and many others.

Randi’s statement that in some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they are assigned is scary. What does that bode for our future leaders? And presently we have one in the White House who I’ll bet has never read a complete book,

highlight the necessity of accommodating diverse student populations. Ensuring that these exemptions are applied fairly and without reinforcing stigmas, however, could add complexity to the plan’s implementation.

A strength of the proposal is its flexibility, allowing schools to design their own storage and implementation strategies. This autonomy acknowledges that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work across New York’s varied educational landscapes. However, the success of this flexibility hinges on clear guidelines and adequate support from the state to help schools navigate potential challenges.

The plan’s focus on equity, including ensuring that students without internetenabled devices are not disadvantaged, demonstrates an awareness of the broader implications of digital access. This consideration is crucial in preventing unintended disparities.

Hochul’s proposal is a bold step toward addressing the challenges of the digital age in education. While its goals are commendable —enhancing focus, promoting mental health and improving safety — it must carefully navigate the concerns of enforcement, equity and parental confidence.

As the state prepares to roll out the measure by the 2025-26 school year, ongoing collaboration with educators, parents and students will be essential to refine it, and ensure its effectiveness. With a proper balance of structure and flexibility, the initiative has the potential to foster a more focused, healthier and distraction-free learning environment for New York’s students.

opinions

It’s time for riders to take control of the runaway MTA

new York City’s congestion pricing program has begun!

After much political pushpull, this unbearable tax is upon us all. As far north as 60th Street in Manhattan — Central Park — is included in this over-reaching, overpriced tax that hits drivers and train riders alike going into Manhattan, but luckily, not as they are leaving Manhattan.

Now, during weekday peak hours, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., there is a $9 increase, a $2.25 increase in offpeak commuting. Weekend peak hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This doesn’t just apply to someone driving south in Manhattan; if you are headed into

Letters

including our Constitution.

I belong to a book club in which we read mostly nonfiction and sports, but I also enjoy mysteries and detective novels. I am currently reading “All the Sinners Bleed,” by S.A. Cosby. A sheriff in Charon County, Virginia, with a very unpleasant case. Cosby is a terrific writer.

Thanks to Randi for her other suggestions. I hope she has fun teaching the class.

JIM HAWKINS Baldwin

Randi’s given me some catching up to do

To the Editor:

I’ve been reading Randi’s columns in the Herald for years, and enjoying her take on everything, as well as her style. I am 81. Been reading since I was a single digit. My first novel was “Black Beauty,” by Anna Sewell, which I read when I was about 7.

I’ve read 135 books in each of the past two years, and I’m going to look into all the books in Randi’s curriculum, because I find I’ve read maybe one, “Of Mice and Men,” when I was way younger. Lol. No matter what, I’m going to tackle her list. I hope they don’t have to be read in that order, because I’ve chosen “The Wren, the Wren” to be my first.

RINA COHEN East Meadow

Manhattan on the Queensboro (60th Street, Central Park), Williamsburg (Lower East Side), Manhattan (Canal Street), or Brooklyn Bridge, or the Lincoln, Holland, Hugh Carey (Brooklyn-Battery) or Queens-Midtown Tunnel, you are paying this new tax.

iTo add insult to injury, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority just increased all the tolls, unrelated to congestion pricing, on all of New York City’s bridges. So, if you are using the George Washington, Bayonne or Goethals Bridge or the Outerbridge Crossing, you will have to pay an increase there as well.

n addition to congestion pricing, are you using a bridge?

Guess

which tolls have risen.

cy has always been mismanaged, but its current chair, Janno Lieber, has proven particularly tone-deaf. He made a comment just days after a woman was burned to death on the subway, that crime on the subways was just “in people’s heads” and that it isn’t a huge issue. His total disregard for his customers’ sense of safety is appalling, and only confirms his inability to oversee public transportation.

congestion pricing in June due to the concern that it would hurt her fellow Democrats in the November election — especially those on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley who were running for Congress. The governor only made matters worse by reinstating the policy after Election Day, with the claim that she would save us money by temporarily lowering the new tax from its original proposed fee of $15 to $9.

Originally sold to New Yorkers as a plan to save the environment, congestion pricing is nothing more than just another money grab to bail out the inept and ever-failing MTA. The agen -

The MTA did no customer service survey to see how it could accommodate commuters by expanding train service, because the truth is, Lieber doesn’t care. With all these toll increases, he’s taking your money no matter what method of travel you choose.

Recognizing how bad this policy is, we saw Gov. Kathy Hochul even pause

Framework by Diane Revinskas

For all these reasons, I am co-sponsoring legislation with my fellow senators from Long Island that would permanently end congestion pricing, force the MTA to be independently audited, and create a financial control board to take control of the agency’s finances. We have paid enough into this failed authority, and it’s time for the riders to take control of this runaway train.

Alexis Weik represents the 8th State Senate District. She previously served as receiver of taxes for the Town of Islip.

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