Baldwin Herald 02-27-2025

Baldwin Public Library patrons enjoyed some tea and sweets at the Valentine’s Day Tea Party last week. Story, additional photos, Page 10.

Baldwin senior is making a ‘SPLASH’

Paul Fleck wins Congressional App Challenge in 4th District

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Paul Fleck, a senior at Baldwin High School, has been named winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for the Fourth District by former Congressman Anthony D’ Esposito, designing an app to help Operation SPLASH volunteers improve their environmental cleanup efforts.

The contest encourages middle and high school students across the nation to learn to code and create innovative apps that solve real-world problems.

Fleck, a long-time member of Freeport’s Operation SPLASH, which stands for Stop Pol -

luting, Littering and Save Harbors, recognized a recurring problem during cleanup campaigns. He explained that the group’s captains lacked real-time information on which locations had been recently cleaned, which often led to wasted time and resources.

“I noticed a recurring inefficiency during cleanup trips — captains lacked up-to-date information on which locations were recently cleaned, leading to wasted time,” Fleck told the Herald. To solve this issue, Fleck developed SPLASH Tracker, a

Baldwin suffers another water main break

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Baldwin has experienced its third water main break in less than a year, on Feb. 19, at around noon, at the intersection of Brooklyn Avenue and Chestnut Street.

The break created a large hole in the pavement, flooded streets and damaged property, prompting a response from the Baldwin Fire Department.

Pamela Bellings, a spokeswoman for Liberty Water, told the Herald that the break resulted in low water pressure for several hundred customers.

“Our crews stopped the leak quickly and restored pressure to all customers within approximately 90 minutes,” Bellings wrote in an email.

“The paving topcoat will be applied when the weather gets warmer as that work cannot be done in the cold.”

She also noted an upcoming project to replace 1,100 feet of cast-iron water main on Winona Road, which is expected to improve water pressure and reduce the occurrence of discolored water.

In a recent Herald opinion essay, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, whose district includes Baldwin, stressed the urgent need for the county to address its aging infrastructure, and noted that Baldwin had experienced two water main breaks last year. Mulé’s call to action came just a month before the latest break.

The previous two incidents were significant. On June 7, a water main break near Silver Lake Park affected nearby communities, including Island

She added that water main breaks are a “normal occurrence” during winter weather, but emphasized that Liberty Water continues to replace older infrastructure. “We continue to replace aging facilities and are almost done with our main replacement project on Anderson Street in Baldwin,” Bellings wrote.

Continued on page 9

Holden Leeds/Herald

Did someone say tea?

Baldwin suffers another water main break

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Baldwin has experienced its third water main break in less than a year, on Feb. 19, at around noon, at the intersection of Brooklyn Avenue and Chestnut Street.

The break created a large hole in the pavement, flooded streets and damaged property, prompting a response from the Baldwin Fire Department.

Baldwin Public Library patrons enjoyed some tea and sweets at the Valentine’s Day Tea Party last week. Story, additional photos, Page 10. T he paving topcoat will be applied when the weather gets warmer.

Baldwin senior is making a ‘SPLASH’

Paul Fleck wins Congressional App Challenge in 4th District

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Paul Fleck, a senior at Baldwin High School, has been named winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for the Fourth District by former Congressman Anthony D’ Esposito, designing an app to help Operation SPLASH volunteers improve their environmental cleanup efforts.

The contest encourages middle and high school students across the nation to learn to code and create innovative apps that solve real-world problems.

Fleck, a long-time member of Freeport’s Operation SPLASH, which stands for Stop Pol -

luting, Littering and Save Harbors, recognized a recurring problem during cleanup campaigns. He explained that the group’s captains lacked real-time information on which locations had been recently cleaned, which often led to wasted time and resources.

“I noticed a recurring inefficiency during cleanup trips — captains lacked up-to-date information on which locations were recently cleaned, leading to wasted time,” Fleck told the Herald.

To solve this issue, Fleck developed SPLASH Tracker, a mobile app that provides live updates on the debris status of cleanup locations. The

Pamela Bellings, a spokeswoman for Liberty Water, told the Herald that the break resulted in low water pressure for several hundred customers. “Our crews stopped the leak quickly and restored pressure to all customers within approximately 90 minutes,” Bellings wrote in an email.

PAMEl A BElliNGS Liberty

Water

“The paving topcoat will be applied when the weather gets warmer as that work cannot be done in the cold.”

She also noted an upcoming project to replace 1,100 feet of cast-iron water main on Winona Road, which is expected to improve water pressure and reduce the occurrence of discolored water.

In a recent Herald opinion essay, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, whose district includes Baldwin, stressed the urgent need for the county to address its aging infrastructure, and noted that Baldwin had experienced two water main breaks last year. Mulé’s call to action came just a month before the latest break.

The previous two incidents were significant. On June 7, a water main break near Silver Lake Park affected nearby communities, including Island

She added that water main breaks are a “normal occurrence” during winter weather, but emphasized that Liberty Water continues to replace older infrastructure. “We continue to replace aging facilities and are almost done with our main replacement project on Anderson Street in Baldwin,” Bellings wrote.

Continued on page 9

Holden Leeds/Herald

Baldwin has a new fire chief

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Douglas Eberhart has officially assumed the role of Chief of the Baldwin Fire Department, taking responsibility for the department’s 200+ firefighters, emergency medical personnel and oversees the daily operations of the department.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the fire service, Eberhart,62, brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He began his career as a probationary member and has steadily advanced through the ranks, from firefighter to Captain, and now to Chief.

“The honor means I have accomplished a lot in my tenure in the volunteer fire department,” he said. “I have over 40 years of being a volunteer so it’s a great accomplishment that I never thought I would be at this time in my life.”

Eberhart’s leadership style reflects a blend of traditional fire service values alongside modern strategies and incorporating a “family” style of involvement.

“He’s always been an active member and family oriented,” Douglas Wiedmann said, who volunteered alongside Eberhart when he was a captain at Baldwin Fire Department Hose 3. “He tried to make the fire house as captain there a family oriented type. For example, when we had any events, the family was invited.”

Eberhart, originally from Point Lookout, NY, was motivated to join the fire service after the line-of-duty death of firefighter George Grant in 1981. Raised in a family of nine children after the death of his father, Robert, when he was six years old, he joined the Point Lookout Fire Department upon turning 18.

After rising through the ranks in Point Lookout, Eberhart became Captain of Truck Company 2 in 1987. In 1995, he and his wife Maggie moved to Baldwin, where he joined the Baldwin Fire Department in 1996, bringing with him 15 years of experience. Over the years, Eberhart moved through the ranks, eventually becoming Captain at Hose 3. In December 2022, after

26 years of service in Baldwin, he was promoted to Deputy Chief.

Eberhart’s commitment to the fire service runs deep, with both of his sons, Joseph and Brian, joining the Junior Fire Department and later serving in the military. Joseph, following in his father’s footsteps, eventually joined the Baldwin Fire Department and rose to the rank of Captain at Hose 3.

As Baldwin’s new Chief, Eberhart’s leadership will guide the department in incorporating more training for the younger generation in hope of making this into a full time career.

“The future of the volunteer fire department is so much training,” he explained. “We don’t particularly fight as many fires as they used to but the training aspect of the department is monumental and helps our young people.

“It gives them a career in the fire or emergency service via police or fire,” he added. “We will try to do a lot to get the young people interested in helping their community.”

News briefs

Baldwin library launches SMS notifications

Baldwin Public Library now offers SMS notifications to alert patrons when books are available for pickup, according to a news release.

To sign up, visit NassauLibraries. org/sms.

Patrons will need to provide their name, email address, library barcode number, and phone number. Library staff are also available to assist with enrollment. If your email address or barcode does not match the Library’s records, call (516) 223-6228 and select option 0 to subscribe.

The service will also notify patrons 48 hours before materials are due if they have been auto-renewed, as well as send reminders for overdue items.

Courtesy Jerry Brown

First joining the Baldwin Fire Department in 1996, Douglas Eberhart has assumed the role of Chief of the Baldwin Fire Department.

As March approaches, the Baldwin Public Library is offering a diverse lineup of events for all interests. From musical performances to fitness classes, there’s something for everyone as we welcome the spring season.

1Homesteading, Women’s Suffrage, and The Wizard of Oz .

On Wednesday, March 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Baldwin Public Library will host a virtual lecture presented by the Homestead National Historical Park. This event will explore the connections between women’s suffrage, homesteading, and Frank L. Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The presentation will delve into how these themes shaped Baum’s iconic story, with a special focus on how they continue to influence modern retellings of the tale. The lecture will include brief vocal music elements, including songs from the 1939 Judy Garland film, providing a unique perspective on the themes of the story.

2Adult Lecture: Master Excellence with Local Author Adeyinka Adegbenle.

Local author and excellence strategist, Adeyinka Adegbenle, will be giving an insightful lecture on Thursday, March 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. In this talk, Adegbenle will discuss the core principles outlined in her book, Master Excellence: 13 Universal Principles to Help You Win at Life. She will offer a comprehensive under-

What to expect next month at Baldwin Public Library Fundraising for Baldwin Coach Diner owner

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Baldwin Coach Diner owner John Kanaras, who has been in the ICU for the past two months. Originally admitted for pneumonia, his condition has worsened, according to the campaign description.

The campaign has raised more than $5,000, with a goal of $30,000. Marie Healey, a Baldwin native, organized the fundraiser, citing the Kanaras family’s strong ties to the Baldwin community.

“I’ve come to know John and Perry very well,” Healey said. “They went from people who own a restaurant, to friends, to family.”

Located at the corner of Sunrise Highway and Central Avenue, Baldwin Coach Diner has been a local staple since 1938. Originally owned by a Greek family, the diner changed hands in 1964 when John’s father, Peter Kanaras, and two partners, Tommy Mathews and George Tsotos—also of Greek descent— took ownership. Following his father’s death in March 2019, John Kanaras took over the diner.

Healey recalled taking her children to the diner when they were younger and highlighted the warm, family atmosphere she felt when walking in.

“It’s just a comfortable place where every-

standing of excellence, providing tools and strategies that can help you unlock your full potential, both in your personal life and at work. If you feel like you’re not reaching your goals or living up to your capabilities, this lecture will provide the guidance you need to start mastering excellence.

3

Feteness: Soca, Reggae, Konpa (Dance Fitness).

Get ready to move to the rhythm of the Caribbean with Feteness, a Caribbean-inspired dance fitness class, on Wednesday, March 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. Taught by Feteness founder and instructor Allie, this class will let you experience the vibrant dances of Soca, Reggae, and Konpa. The class will run on multiple Wednesdays: March 12, 26, and April 2 & 9, with registration beginning on Feb. 19 and continuing as space permits. Once registered, you can attend all four sessions.

4

Embroidering Nature: Stitch & Study Plants .

Baldwin Public Library will partner with Old Westbury Gardens on Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to offer a unique two-hour class. Partici-

one is welcomed,” she said. “They always welcome young families because it’s hard for young families to find a place to eat comfortably. Kids can be noisy and cause situations. John and Perry are always welcoming.”

The campaign has also garnered attention from local nonprofit organizations, including Hangout One Happy Place. Founder Angela Lucas said she launched a fundraiser called the “Friends Helping Friends: Chocolate Sunshine Love Fundraiser.” For $2, people can purchase a bag with two chocolates, and all funds raised will go to the Kanaras family.

“I like to get my kids involved in everything,” Lucas said, referring to those who benefit from her nonprofit. “Hopefully we will do a lunch or dinner just to support them and the diner.”

Healey expressed how full her heart feels from the support generated by the fundraiser. She said she’s grateful to see others pitching in and creating their own initiatives to help.

“I feel very strongly about community,” Healey said. “I was born and raised here. I’m involved with the schools and the activities that my children are involved in because I think that’s what makes the community better when people are involved and are supporting each other.”

To donate,visitGoFund.me/95ca4283

pants will learn about the fascinating history, care, and unique qualities of various plants featured in the gardens. After the botanical exploration, attendees will create their own embroidered hoop art based on the flowers they’ve studied, combining nature with creative expression. Registration for Baldwin School District residents will begin on Feb. 21, with registration for all others opening on Feb. 28.

5

Sunday Music: The Katie Mitchell Band. Enjoy a live performance by The Katie Mitchell Band on Sunday, March 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Known for her soulful voice, Katie Mitchell, a singer/ songwriter from Long Beach, brings a blend of folk, Americana, and classic rock to the stage, drawing inspiration from the music of female artists such as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, and Joan Osborne. The band’s performances span a wide range of genres, from Lady Gaga to Led Zeppelin. This concert will be held at the library, and tickets are required for entry. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance by calling the Adult Reference Desk at 516-223-6228, Ext. 145.

Baldwin Coach Diner owner John Kanaras has been in the ICU for the past two months, and a Baldwin resident has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the Kanaras family.

HERALD SchoolS

Students prepare for emergencies through School2Career initiative

Baldwin High School’s Youth Change Leader Collaborative (YCLC) and Medical & Health Sciences Academy, in collaboration with NYU Langone Health Long Island, have taken a step toward enhancing community safety by certifying a group of students in the Stop the Bleed program.

Developed by the American College of Surgeons, the Stop the Bleed program has trained nearly 4 million people worldwide in essential techniques for controlling bleeding during emergencies. The initiative teaches students critical emergency response skills, empowering them to assist in severe bleeding situations and potentially save lives.

Medical experts from NYU Langone Health provided in-person training at Baldwin High School, teaching students how to properly apply a tourniquet and other vital emergency techniques. As a result, Baldwin High School students earned certificates in recognition of their life-saving skills and became an important resource for their community.

Through a partnership with NYU Langone, Baldwin High school students were enhanced with community safety through the Stop the Bleed program.

This collaboration with NYU Langone Health, part of the School2Career initiative, focuses on providing the next generation with hands-on, real-world education that will empower them to positively impact their communities.

— Hernesto Galdamez

The Pursuit of Excellence

“Being forced to work, and forced to be your best, will breed in you...a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.” — Charles Kingsley

A few years ago, your writer was contacted, as an accomplished alumnus, by McGill University in Montreal, asking for a one-word answer on my experience at the university. I answered “excellence”. It was there that I learned what excellence looked like. Before you can emulate it, you have to see it.

Prior to grade inflation, you had to do a modicum of extra work to get from a “C” to a “B”. But you had to do an extraordinary amount of work to get from a “B” to an “A”.

Your writer was hoping to gain early acceptance to law school -- awarded to only ten students. Not only did that mean A’s across the board, but the A’s also had to be in the most difficult subjects, as the A’s themselves were weighted. One of the courses was “Anthropology 101”. Fifty percent of the grade was based on the essay portion for which your writer received a “B” grade. Not being easily

deterred, I asked the professor if I might read a couple of “A” papers. She agreed to that and also agreed to my request that if I submitted another essay she would grade that one instead.

The new essay I submitted received an “A” grade. Once I had seen what an “A” paper looked like, in other words what “excellence” looked like, I was able to emulate it.

When I applied to the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) for a Masters degree in law, LSE accepted me, on the condition that I receive my McGill Law degree with honors. In my final exams at LSE, the answer to one of the questions was in a footnote. They expected you to not only know the course materials, but the footnotes too.

Here at Ettinger Law Firm, we strive for excellence in the same way. Nothing is overlooked in a constant quest to be as good as we possibly can. From our staff, to our furnishings, fixtures and equipment, to the vendors we choose to work with, to the services we deliver, we work to improve every single day. Striving for excellence is its own reward.

Showcasing their artistic talent

Four third graders from Steele Elementary School have been selected as winners in Liberty Water’s Be Water Wise Art Contest.

The students, Ariana Mustapha, Cayleigh Hollingsworth and Micah Gordon from Susan Michels’ class, along with Hezekiah Antoine from Danielle Greco’s class, will have their artwork featured in Liberty Water’s 2025 Be Water Wise Calendar. The calendar will be mailed to all Liberty Water customers.

In addition to the recognition for the students, Steele Elementary has been awarded a special water conservation pre-

sentation, promoting awareness about the importance of saving water.

The Be Water Wise Art Contest is an annual event that encourages Long Island students to create artistic designs demonstrating their understanding of water conservation. Each month of the calendar features the winning artwork and includes tips on how to conserve water, showcasing the need to preserve the Island’s drinking water supply.

Submissions to the contest are evaluated on artistic skill, creativity, and the ability to effectively communicate the significance of water conservation.

Courtesy Baldwin school district

Courtesy Baldwin school district

Students from Steele Elementary School were selected as winners in Liberty Water’s Be Water Wise Art Contest. Their artwork will be featured in Liberty Water’s 2025 calendar.

HERALD SPORTS

Baldwin rallies to defeat South Side, 55-45

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

A dream playoff matchup between two of the most successful Long Island boys’ basketball programs over the past 20 years was a tale of two halves Feb.19.

Baldwin’s drive for a fifth straight county championship was in serious jeopardy as it trailed South Side by a dozen late in the first half of a Nassau Class AA quarterfinal.

“We felt like we came out flat and needed to play at a faster pace,” Bruins junior center Gabriel Phillips said. “Nobody panicked.”

Sophomore Michael Saint Jean rattled in a 3 to open the third quarter and the comeback was on. Baldwin outscored the fourth-seeded Cyclones by nine in the third and 10 in the fourth for a 55-45 victory in front of an electric standing-room-only crowd.

Phillips had a game-high 21 points and senior Chase Timber-

lake scored all but one of his 10 points after halftime as the fifthseeded Bruins (15-7) advanced to the semifinals for a stunning 19th consecutive season. They’ll face No. 1 undefeated Great Neck South March 4 at 6 p.m. at Farmingdale State College looking to avenge a pair of narrow regular-season defeats.

“We’ve got 10 first-year varsity guys, but they’ve bought in and want to write their own script,” Baldwin head coach Darius Burton said. “This was an uphill battle on the road against a very good and well-coached team. What we were able to do in the second half, play fast, defend and force turnovers, is what we do best.”

Junior Ryan Schmitt had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead South Side (18-4), which trailed for the first time with 6:28 remaining when Timberlake sank a trey for a 39-36 Baldwin lead.

“The second half was nothing like the first,” Cyclones head coach Jerry D’Angelo said. “We didn’t

handle pressure well. We committed some uncharacteristic turnovers and they took advantage.”

Senior Charles Munro added 8 points, and senior Sean Arnott and junior Connor Erickson chipped in 6 apiece for South Side, which held the game’s largest lead at 27-15 late in the first half before Baldwin senior Jacen Bacon’s three-pointer cut the margin to nine at intermission.

It was tied at 34 after the Bruins enjoyed a 16-6 third quarter with Phillips, Timberlake and senior Vaughdrea Johnson combining for 13 points.

After taking its first lead on Timberlake’s shot from behind the arc, Baldwin put an exclamation point on the victory with a 6-2 spurt capped by a dramatic running slam by junior Isaiah Lett.

Junior point guard Ethan Sainsbury had a key layup and set up Lett for another in crunch time.

“That dunk was huge and took the guys and our crowd to another level,” Burton said.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Junior Gabriel Phillips, center, had 21 points to lead Baldwin to a 55-45 win at South Side in the Class AA quarterfinals Feb. 19.

“The

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Feldman leads a JCC that’s all about community

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

First in a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Stacey Feldman is the executive director of the Marion and Aaran Gural JCC.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Stacey Feldman: When I was in college, I studied advertising and marketing and after being on a trip to Israel I realized that I wanted to work for the Jewish community. I loved trying to understand what made people buy a brand or why a certain color was successful, product placement, all of that really interests me and then after being in Israel, I realized that the Jewish community needed me more. I wanted to sell being an active member of the Jewish community. I’m doing this since 1990, I started working part-time teaching Hebrew school and from there I moved to New York and became the Teen Director at the Mid-Island Y JCC, worked for Hadassah and Young Judea and then was blessed to have worked for UJA Federation. From UJA is how I ended up working in the Five Towns and ultimately becoming the Executive Director here

at the Gural JCC, in 2023. I love building the community and bringing them together, there are so many types of people and they all come together under one roof.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Feldman: We have four sites that serve this wonderful community. Everyone knows that we’re the little blue house on Grove Avenue that helps people. In 2017, we purchased Temple Israel, Lawrence so that is what we refer to as the Harrison-Kerr Family Campus. That’s the site where we have the senior center and we operate the largest early childhood center in the community with about 350 kids and a staff of almost 90. In the summer of 2023, in partnership with the Leon Mayer Fund took over the operation of the Mark Ramer Chesed Center, in Hewlett. That is a 3,500 square foot facility of new goods so that a family in need can get linens, new clothing, new house wares and appliances. Our fourth site is the S.H.O.P, in Cedarhurst (Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place) and that is

where we operate the largest kosher food pantry on Long Island, serving over 800 families. We offer a variety of social work support services from that location sand the whole agency.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going and inspires you?

Feldman: What challenges me currently is never wanting to say no, but for financial reasons sometimes we have to say no. What I grapple with is wanting to serve more and more people on what is a non-profit budget. What keeps me going is the ability now to build a full-service Jewish community center in this area. We’ve been working out of the site on Grove for almost 42 years and it’s exciting to address all of the needs in the community for recreation, socialization, a pool and serving all members of the community.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Feldman: I’m very proud of my fami-

ly, and having a son who just graduated college a year ago, a daughter that just entered college and having a loving and supporting husband. My family gives me the support that I need to work long nights and hours, so without the support from them I wouldn’t be able to do this work. I think our proudest moment professionally is finally working in partnership with Nassau County to find a location so that we can really expand services. We are very excited to build a whole new center that the community can participate in.

Herald: What advice do you have for others? What work is left to be done?

Feldman: My advice to anybody is to follow your passion, work is not work is you are passionate about it. You will enjoy coming to work everyday is you enjoy the work. Whether it’s on a volunteer level, if you can’t do professionally what you’re passionate about then find time to give back and get involved in a non-profit you enjoy. There is always work to be done, as women we’re nurturing and we’re caring, empathetic, we don’t want to leave any stone unturned so we’re always looking for new opportunities.

Ellis leads the fight for LGBTQ representation

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

For over a decade, Long Island native Sarah Kate Ellis has led GLAAD, the world’s most influential LGBTQ media advocacy organization. Under her leadership, GLAAD has evolved from a media watchdog into a driving force for cultural change, shaping representation and acceptance of LGBTQ people in media, entertainment, and politics. In an interview, Ellis shares her journey, challenges, and vision for the future.

Herald: How did you get where you are?

Ellis began her career in media, working for major publishing houses like Condé Nast and Time Inc. She quickly discovered her passion for storytelling.

“I loved media instantly,” she said. “I loved telling stories and seeing the power of storytelling and how it can really bring people together.”

However, her family set her on the path toward advocacy.

“My wife and I got pregnant at the exact same time by accident, if that could be,” Ellis said. “It wasn’t planned. We were just trying to start a family. And I think that led more to my advocacy work.”

As digital media transformed the industry, Ellis sought a new challenge. When the opportunity arose to lead

GLAAD, she saw it as a way to combine her passion for media with her commitment to the LGBTQ community.

“I got to do what I love—media advocacy—but for my community,” she said.

“When I started at GLAAD, it was really to modernize the organization based on the changing media ecosystem.”

Now, after 11 years at the helm, Ellis remains committed to ensuring GLAAD continues to be a powerful voice for LGBTQ representation.

Herald: What are your daily responsibilities?

“The media ecosystem has yet again dramatically shifted,” she says. “The average American spends 12 hours a day consuming media. So we’ve never had a larger opportunity ahead of us.”

However, reaching audiences has become more complex.

Ellis: “I really do two key things at the organization,” she says. “One is drive the strategy on how we’re going to build acceptance in the United States and globally for LGBTQ people. The other significant part of my job is fundraising. To do all the work, you need funding.”

One of her key initiatives was establishing the GLAAD Media Institute, which serves as the organization’s think tank, advisory, and education arm. She also launched a rapid response team to address media coverage and public narratives around LGBTQ issues.

Ellis believes GLAAD’s work is more critical than ever as media consumption habits change.

“The biggest challenge is how do we reach people when it’s so delineated?” she asks. “That’s one of the challenges I’m facing now—how do I reach folks in a compelling way that touches them and moves them?”

Herald: What are your memorable achievements?

Over the years, Ellis has celebrated many victories, both personal and professional.

“From a personal perspective, it’s my family, my wife and our kids,” she says. “I’m so proud of my kids. They’re 16 now. They were 4 when I started at GLAAD, so that’s kind of mind-blowing.”

In her work, she is particularly proud of partnerships that have expanded LGBTQ inclusion.

“Here I am at the Super Bowl. We host an NFL-partnered Super Bowl event for the LGBTQ community,” Ellis says. “If you ever said to me 10 years ago that GLAAD and the NFL logo

would be together and working together, I would have never believed you. But here we are.”

She is also proud of GLAAD’s presence at the World Economic Forum, ensuring LGBTQ issues remain part of global discussions.

“If we’re not there speaking on behalf of LGBTQ people, we are left out of the conversation,” she says. “I was proud to be the first LGBTQ organization to get a white badge from the World Economic Forum.”

Herald: What advice can you offer the next generation?

Ellis: “I think my advice is to work hard and with your head up, because everybody says put your head down and work hard,” she said. “But I think you have to keep your head up, stay aware of what’s going on.”

She believes that in an increasingly virtual world, making personal connections is essential.

“I think we’ve become such an isolated society, and people think that we can do things on Zoom, but proximity to power and meeting people and engaging with people personally advances so much more at a rapid pace than meeting on Zoom.”

Both interviews, with Stacey Feldman and Sarah Kate Ellis, continue at liherald.com.

StAcEy FELDMAN

SARAH KAtE ELLIS

and Chester Street.

Mulé reiterates problem of aging infrastructure

Park, Oceanside, Roosevelt, and South Hempstead. Roughly 30,000 customers lost water pressure, and Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital was also affected. Service was restored within an hour.

The second break, on Sept. 30, occurred near homes on Winona Road, near Anderson Street. Customers were without water throughout the day and into the night.

In an email, Mulé reiterated the need to address the region’s aging infrastructure. She also expressed her support for transitioning to municipal water under the newly formed South Nassau Water Authority.

“While this incident was under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hempstead and Liberty Water,” Mule wrote, “it is yet the latest example of how the crisis

of our region’s aging infrastructure must be confronted and addressed sooner than later. Moreover, it illustrates why the Town of Hempstead must move forward with necessary steps for municipalizing our drinking water — a move that has tremendous promise for improving service and reducing costs.”

Jerry Brown, volunteer firefighter of the Baldwin Fire Department, told the Herald that residents have expressed concerns about the safety of their water, including whether it is drinkable.

Bellings said that the water remains safe to drink.

Have an opinion about the latest water main break, or the possible transition of water service to the South Nassau Water Authority? Send a letter to hgaldamez@liherald.com.

News brief

Long Island launches program to help seniors

A program created to provide seniors in the community with essential resources on topics like storm preparation, scam prevention, electrical safety, energy efficiency, and financial assistance was unveiled by PSEG Long Island.

The Senior Connections initiative aims to help older residents navigate these crucial areas to stay safe, save money and avoid common pitfalls.

PSEG Long Island will offer seminars led by subject-matter experts, covering a range of topics that are important to seniors. These presentations will be held in collaboration with local community organizations, libraries, schools, senior living communities, and other groups that serve older residents.

Both small, intimate gatherings and

larger events will be available, and sessions can be conducted in person or virtually, making the program accessible to a wide audience.

The program officially kicked off with a safety presentation at the YMCA in Glen Cove earlier this month. Future sessions are scheduled for New Hyde Park and Huntington.

The Senior Connections program is part of PSEG Long Island’s broader efforts to ensure that all members of the community, particularly vulnerable seniors, have the knowledge and tools they need to remain safe and resilient.

Seniors and organizations interested in learning more or requesting a seminar can contact PSEG Long Island at communityLI@pseg.com.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Jerry Brown

another water main break occurred in Baldwin on feb. 19, opening a large hole at the intersection of Brooklyn avenue

Enjoying some tea at the Baldwin Library

Baldwin Public Library hosted a Valentine’s Day Tea Party for children on Feb. 19, inviting kids ages 2 and up to dress in their finest attire and bring their favorite stuffed animals for a funfilled afternoon.

The event brought families together for an afternoon of creativity and joy. Participants enjoyed sweet treats and tasty potions, including cookies, while

celebrating the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Once again, the Baldwin Public Library proved to be a community hub, offering children an experience that blended learning, socialization, and holiday cheer. For more information on upcoming events, visit BaldwinPL.org.

–Hernesto Galdamez

Jade Perra enjoying her tea and quality time with friends.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Baldwin Public Library patrons were enjoying their time at the Valentine’s Day Tea Party.

Alya Gokesmer with her plate of popcorn.

Danielle Blanchard-St. Louime, left, with her children Myles and Miyah.

Fleck’s app will help group’s cleanup efforts

app’s user interface is simple and easy to navigate, allowing SPLASH captains to quickly assess which areas need attention. Fleck integrated Google Maps into the app, where cleanup locations are shown with color-coded transparent shapes, making it easy for users to identify high-priority areas.

The app has already proven useful for volunteers, helping them make more informed decisions about which sites to tackle. By providing real-time data, SPLASH Tracker allows captains to save on travel expenses, while reducing pollution and increasing the amount of garbage that is collected.

“Having this knowledge allows the volunteers to make a well-informed decision about where to clean up, resulting in saved gas, less pollution, and ultimately more garbage cleaned up per trip,” Fleck explained.

In developing the app, Fleck needed to learn how to navigate Android Studio, the integrated development environment he used to build the

app, and struggled with implementing the Google Maps SDK. Syncing data across devices posed an obstacle as well, Fleck said.

“Getting used to Android Studio ... was a challenge because it just requires experience,” Fleck noted. “There are so many resources online, like YouTube and StackExchange, where I was always able to find clarification.”

Despite these hurdles, Fleck’s determination paid off, and SPLASH Tracker is now being used to streamline cleanup efforts for Operation SPLASH. The recognition has further fueled his passion for creating technology with environmental benefits.

“I’m happy other people found my app to be useful and saw its ability to further environmental sustainability,” Fleck said. “This only increases my passion to create technological innovations that help preserve our natural environment.”

As the winner, Fleck was invited to showcase his app during the House of Code festival.

Camps! Registration is now

Give them a summer they’ll never forget at Hofstra Summer Camps! Registration is now open, and you can secure your child’s spot today with just a deposit down.

For over 40 years, Long Island families have trusted us to provide an exceptional summer experience for their children With 50+ camps to choose from, kids in grades K-12 can:

kids in grades K-12 can:

Explore their passions

Explore their passions Learn exciting new skills Use Hofstra’s cutting-edge academic and athletic facilities

Learn exciting new skills Use Hofstra’s cutting-edge academic and athletic facilities

Plus, included lunch and transportation options make it easy for parents, too! Herald subscribers can save an additional $50 off each week of camp by using code HERALD at checkout – that’s up to $350 off seven weeks of camp!

Herald file photo

paul fleck, Baldwin High School senior, was named winner of the Congressional app Challenge for the fourth district. HHis app, SpL aSH tracker, is designed to make operation SpL aSH more efficient.

Gillen: Medicaid cuts could ‘devastate’ L.I.

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Congressional Republicans have recently directed the committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees Medicaid, to cut its budget by at least $880 billion. These cuts would result in millions of Americans losing their health coverage, while providing tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy.

According to Nate Jackson, NY Director of Protect our Care, these cuts would hurt Long Island families, jeopardize funding for hospitals and strain the state health care budget.

Children, new mothers, seniors and people with disabilities across Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on Medicaid to cover essential health care costs.

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat who represents a majority of the South Shore of Nassau County, and Assemblywoman Michelle Solages joined health care advocates on Feb. 19 to oppose the cuts, and to commit to working to protect Long Islanders’ access to health care.

“The Republican plan to slash Medicaid would devastate Long Island,” Gillen said. “It would mean higher health care costs, hospital funding in limbo, longer wait times to access care for tens of thousands of Long Islanders, and a dramatic decrease in access to vital mental health care.

“We need to be working to protect and strengthen access to health care, not ripping it away from seniors, children and veterans on Long Island who count on Medicaid to access the lifesaving care that they need,” she added, calling for nonpartisan support.

“When we’re talking about an essential service, it’s health care,” said Solages, a member of the Assembly’s Health

Committee. “When we talk about cutting dollars for hospitals, for nursing homes, we’re cutting people to the bone. And so we have to be realistic about what we need to fund. Tax breaks for billionaires is not what Long Island needs.”

Solages discussed the need for health care funding, referring to two Long Island nursing homes that are slated to

close and Nassau University Medical Center, the county’s public hospital, which is in desperate need of financial support.

“We’re talking about people’s lives,” she said. “This is not like a pothole. This is about people’s prescription drugs, their health care, and we’ve got to get realistic in this country about what’s important. People’s premiums have increased. They’re deciding whether to buy food or prescription drugs, and other essential services — rent — and the American people are crying out for relief.”

Cynthia Ngombe, a health care advocate with the Healthcare Education Project, explained that cuts to Medicaid “would shift costs for health coverage to states, putting more pressure not only on the state Medicaid budget, but on other key areas of spending such as education and public safety.”

“Medicaid is under attack from Washington, D.C.,” Ngombe added. “Federal cuts would slash critical services that keep New Yorkers healthy and our communities safe, in areas like maternal health, mental health and the emergency room. All New Yorkers would be impacted, but our Black, Latino and low-income, including rural communities, would be hit hardest by our Medicaid cuts. Access to quality health care is a right. It’s New Yorkers’ top priority.”

Madison Gusler/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, center, was joined by, from left, Cynthia Ngombe, of the Healthcare Education Project; Assemblywoman Michelle Solages; health care worker Claire Leon; and Nate Jackson, of Protect Our Care, to discuss Medicaid funding.

Presented by:

Trump attempts to end congestion pricing

By Jordan Vallone & luke Feeney of the Herald

The Trump administration has rescinded its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, in an attempt to halt the initiative.

The program, which began on Jan. 5, imposes a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman noted his support for the federal government’s decision at a Feb. 19 news conference in Mineola. Blakeman recalled President Trump pledging to end congestion pricing at a rally last October.

“President Trump is fulfilling a promise that he made at Madison Square Garden during (his) campaign,” Blakeman said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul argued that regardless of anyone’s stance on congestion pricing, the decision is an attack on New York’s sovereignty as a state.

“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years,” she said at a news conference at Grand Central Terminal, also on Feb. 19, response to the administration’s move, “and we sure as hell won’t start now.”

Janno Lieber, chief executive and chairman of the MTA, said that a lawsuit had already been filed to keep the congestion-pricing program in place.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the toll as burdensome to working-class Americans and small-business owners, noting the lack of free highway alternatives. New York officials had projected $500 million in annual revenue from the tolls, intended to support $15 billion in debt financing for mass transit improvements.

According to a letter sent to Hochul from the federal transportation office, Duffy rescinded the government’s approval of the plan under the federal Value Pricing Pilot Program, an initiative established to explore the potential of various pricing strategies in reducing traffic congestion. Managed by the Federal Highway Administration, the program allows state and

local governments to implement pilot projects that test the effectiveness of tolls and other pricing mechanisms in managing roadway usage and alleviating congestion. The congestion-pricing plan was developed under the VPPP.

The MTA, Hochul said, was prepared for a challenge, and she expressed confidence in the lawsuit it filed to counteract the decision.

“If in some world (the administration is) successful, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, the next time your train is delayed, the next time you’re in a flooded station because infrastructure repairs were not made, I want you to think of this,” the governor said. “We know where the blame goes.”

The Town of Hempstead had filed a lawsuit against the MTA and the state in opposition to the congestionpricing plan. Supervisor Don Clavin praised the decision by the Trump administration, arguing that congestion pricing is nothing more than “a money grab and a slap in the face to working-class commuters.”

State Sen. Alexis Weik, a Republican who represents portions of Nassau and Suffolk counties, also supported the administration’s decision.

“I’m glad to see that President Trump is supportive of New Yorkers,” Weik said in a statement emailed to the Herald, “because their governor is not. This is a win for New York.”

State Sen. Steve Rhoads, a fellow Republican who represents communities in Nassau, echoed Weik’s sentiments, and was critical of Hochul’s efforts to keep congestion pricing in place.

“Rather than continuing to pursue her unlawful ‘commuter tax,’” Rhoads told Herald reporters, “the governor should suspend these tolls immediately and take swift action to put commuters’ interests first instead of her own.”

Luke Feeney/Herald

The federal government is seeking to halt New York City’s controversial congestion pricing program. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke in support of President Trump’s efforts on Feb. 19.

Matthew J. Fritz, Manager/Funeral Director

Discover what’s coming in the Our Story

MAR 13

Real Estate Movers and Shakers

This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how communityfocused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.

MAR

Your Health

Your Health: Hearing & Vision, a special section dedicated to bringing you essential aspects of hearing and eye care. In this section, we explore the latest advancements in audiology and optometry, provide expert advice on maintaining healthy hearing and vision, and share practical tips for all ages. From recognizing early signs of hearing loss to choosing the right eyewear, we cover topics that matter most to you and your loved ones.

Education

Higher education is more than just earning a degree— it’s a gateway to personal growth, career success, and community development. This special supplement explores the transformative impact of colleges and universities on individuals and society, highlighting the latest trends, opportunities, and resources available to students and lifelong learners.

2025 High School Lacrosse Preview

Get ready for an action-packed season with the 2025 High School Lacrosse Preview, your ultimate guide to the upcoming year in local high school lacrosse. This special section highlights the teams, standout players, key matchups, and expert analysis of what to expect on the field.

Look for the Football Preview on Sept. 11 and Basketball Preview Dec. 18

STEPPING OUT

Images courtesy Robert Graham Carter

(Two Young Teens With Empty Chat

c. 1970s, pencil and pastel on paper, is an open-ended composition, depicting race relations.

Above: If Der Be Angels Then Some Must Look Me, c. 2000s, wood and acrylic, examines spirituality by highlighting the divine beauty of the everyday..

Painting the bigger picture

Robert Graham Carter reflects: A life lived through art

By Danielle Schwab

Within the everyday experience, there’s a deeper story to be told. For visual artist Robert Graham Carter, his art unearths the stories of the African American experience through the individuals and environments he depicts, bringing larger narratives to the surface.

Now on display at the Heckscher Museum of Art, visitors can explore over 22 figurative paintings, sculptures and drawings that explore his reflections on childhood, spirituality, the black church, and societal inequities. The exhibition, “Robert Graham Carter: The Art of Reflection,” celebrates not only his talents but his involvement with Long Island’s art scene — particularly the Heckscher, where Carter made history in 1973 as the first African American artist to receive a solo show.

Born in Louisville, Ky. in 1938, Carter witnessed firsthand life during the Jim Crow South. Later, he went to the University of Louisville with many internationally known artists today such as Sam Gilliam, Bob Thompson and Kenneth Young.

“They actually formed an arts collective called the Gallery Enterprises when they were in college. This collective was important because the city was recently desegregated. There were socially not that many opportunities for artists to exhibit their work if they were artists of color,” guest curator Sarah Battle says. “The Gallery Enterprises created those spaces.”

• Now through May 25

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming

Carter became known for his striking figurative art — often in mixed mediums —that depicted his life experience as an African American man while drawing inspiration from the people around him.

“He’s going to showcase a memory, or illustrate people — everyday people — in his life that he either wants people to be thinking about, to elevate, or just to offer another perspective on the topic at hand,” Battle, research curator at Louisville’s Speed Art Museum, explains.

Drawing influence from his upbringing, Carter’s works balance personal and universal truths, with a focus on topics that connect to the experiences of African Americans. His art addresses the joy and importance of family, the legacy of segregation, the charm of childhood, the spiritual and corporal force that is the Black church, and the impression of Blackface on American culture.

“Figures are the carriers of my thoughts, messages, or ideas, they are my stories,” Carter explained in an email. “For me, it’s the best way to tell the story or to give value or a sense of texture to a meeting or setting.”

In his untitled pencil and pastel drawing from the 1970s, Carter shows his mastery through his depiction of two children, one white child and one African American child with empty thought bubbles above their head as they gaze at each other.

“This piece inspired the education team at the Hecksher to create an activity for people to think about the sorts of conversations these two children could be thinking or saying to each

other, and what sorts of ways these conversations might have changed over time,” Battle says.

Carter also found a niche in using wood in his creations.

“It started with me being attracted to the brightness of the paint and the subdued quality of the wood,” Carter went on in his email. “I thought color placed against this kind of texture and tone would stand out. If you had a bright blue or bright red against a dull gray, the gray would make the color even stronger.”

His use of texture is on full display in his “If Der Be Angels, Den Sum Mus Look Like Me, 2000s,” where Carter postulates spiritual inclusivity within the religious narrative.

“This piece is of an angel. The wings of the angel are made up of these wood slits. They’re painted in bright colors that make it appear that the wings are very full and threedimensional,” Battle says.

“They’re just layers of these wood pieces that create such beautiful interiors or beautiful figures.”

Carter moved to Long Island in 1968 and joined Nassau Community College where he taught in the art department for over 50 years. Archival itemsl such as newspaper clippings and letters included in the exhibit show the impact of his identity as an educator and artist in the local art scene — and throughout the country.

“When I retired, a formal written notice was required. In my notice, I wrote an anecdote ‘I explained the problem, and no one understood it. I explained the problem again, and no one understood it. I explained it a third time, and I understood it.’ It’s a short gimmicky way of saying I am bettered for having taught others,” Carter further explained.

His legacy of creating and inspiring art here and beyond is a testament to his enduring craft.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the local arts community if they don’t know his work already, to see a number of great examples, as well as draw more national attention to his living legacy,” Battle adds.

“This exhibition not only offers visitors a chance to see art made throughout Carter’s career, but it also makes space to honor his living legacy as an artist educator. This solo show highlights some of his early influences in Louisville, Kentucky as well as his impact on artists in Nassau County and beyond.”

Jim Messina

He has plenty of stories to tell — with more to come. An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. a musician whose career has shaped the sound of multiple generations. From his start with Buffalo Springfield to defining the Country Rock genre with Poco and then forming the iconic duo Loggins & Messina, his influence on music is undeniable. With hits spanning over five decades, he’s a true craftsman of his art. Now touring with a talented band, Messina performs songs from every stage of his career: Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Loggins & Messina, and his solo projects. ouring the country and playing sold-out shows, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is, where he’s been and — most significantly — where he’s going.

Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. $69, $59, $49. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Kevin James

You know him, you love him, and now you can catch Kevin James when his “Owls Don’t Walk” tour arrives here. As only Kevin can, he covers a range of topics from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth. James sure has come a long way since his early days on the local comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a development deal to create his own sitcom. “The King of Queens” premiered in 1998 and ran for nine seasons, earning him an Emmy nomination. From there, his acting career blew up — in film and TV.

Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Family Collection Untitled

Bubbles),

To the right: Proud Queen, Tribute To My Wife, 1995, wood and acrylic, underscores the versatility of his form.

March 20

The Joni Project

The Joni Project visits the Tilles Center stage, Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the iconic Joni Mitchell. The musically sophisticated band is fronted by Long Island’s remarkable multi-instrumentalist and singer Katie Pearlman, who impressively plays Joni’s songs in their original open guitar tunings, and also includes jazz and jam band mainstays Dave Berg (guitar), Dan Ehrlich (bass), Alan Lerner (drums), Mark Mancini (keyboards), Steve Finklestein (percussion), Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone and flute) and Victoria Faiella (backing vocals). Collectively, they’ve performed with members of the Grateful Dead, The Band, The Doors, the Neville Brothers, and many others.

On stage

Adelphi University

Performing Arts students present the musical adaptation of “The Spitfire Grill,”now through Sunday, March 2. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, this is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. It follows a troubled young parolee yearning for a fresh start who follows her dreams to Wisconsin, based on a page from an old travel book, only to find a small town with a gritty heart aching with longing and regret.

Unexpectedly discovering the healing power of community while working at the Spitfire Grill, Percy reawakens the entire town’s capacity for rebirth, forgiveness and hope. Set to a melodic folk-inspired score, it’s a joyous celebration of human kindness. $30. Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

In concert

Together, they bring fresh interpretation to Joni’s legendary tunes from their many eras and genres —particularly from the time of her stunning and dynamic collaboration with Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker. But The Joni Project celebrates it all - from Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, Chelsea Morning and Help Me, to Raised on Robbery and Free Man in Paris! Perlman faithfully performs in true Joni style. 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Art explorations

The influential proto-punk/garage band The Dictators performs at My Father’s Place, Sunday, March 2, 7-9 p.m. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace. com or call (516) 580-0887.

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art’s Manes Education Center. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, March 1, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators to explore and discover different materials to create original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and make art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum. org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS WEDNESDAY

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Feb. 28,-10:15 a.m., noon, 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 5-6,10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship and shows him her new hyper warp speed engine. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Oil Painting Classes

Let your creativity shine at painting classes offered by the Town of Hempstead, through May 5, at Baldwin Park. Registratiion ongoing now. Visit hempsteadny.gov/261/ Online-Registration for more information and to register. 3232 Grand Ave.

In concert

Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.

The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Having an event?

Best of Broadway: ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’

Adelphi University

Performing Arts students celebrate the music that shaped Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. The talented students bring to life the magic of Broadway with music from classic and contemporary musicals. This edition includes selections from celebrated composers and lyricists, including Kander and Ebb, Alan Menken, Jason Robert Brown, and many more! This event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

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.

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.

Hempstead House tour

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, March 9, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

27, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY.

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST, SERIES 2005NC1 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Pltf. vs. ALISON KUPISZ, et al, Defts. Index #7427/2012. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated Feb. 5, 2019 and order appointing substitute referee dated March 24, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on March 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 2164 Grove St., Baldwin, NY 11510. Said property located at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Brooklyn Ave. with the westerly side of Grove St., being a plot 75 ft. x 125 ft. Approx. amt. of judgment is $619,491.71 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MARK RICCIARDI, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., 224, Syosset, NY. #102089 151407

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LONG BEACH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff against BAC REALTY, INC., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 31, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 3367 Harbor Point Road, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 352 Lot 347. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,289,227.25 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002520/2017. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Keith LaVallee, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN381 151531

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of James McCory; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 12, 2024 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 13, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1354 Short Place, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section: 36 Block: 236-1 Lot: 32 and 255. Approximate amount of judgment $696,646.80 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 001173/2014. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Christine Grillo, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: January 29, 2025 151533

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. REO LEND I LLC, Plaintiff -against- 128 FOREST AVENUE LLC, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 30, 2024 and entered on January 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 19, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Forest Avenue, distant 100 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Forest Avenue with the easterly side of Powell Street; being a plot 125 feet by 50 feet by 125 feet by 50 feet. Section: 55 Block: 342 Lot: 47

Said premises known as 128 FOREST AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575

Approximate amount of lien $437,898.90 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 604964/2024.

LISA B. SINGER, ESQ., Referee

The Camporeale Law Group PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 585 Stewart Avenue, 770, Garden City, NY 11530 {* BALDWIN HE*} 151450

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CARRINGTON D. BROCK A/K/A CARRINGTON BROCK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1109 Cramer Court, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 523 and Lot 70. Approximate amount of judgment is $400,642.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600506/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Lisa S. Poczik, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151529

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of Igloo Series V Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Dharmanand Latchman, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Brook Court, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with

the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 32 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $432,130.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605715/2023.

Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 192580-5 151685

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST SATYAWATTIE DHARMANAND AKA SATYAWATTIE D. DHARMANAND, DHARMANAND LATCHMAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 2746 Park Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 0054 Block 00279-00 Lot 00101 & 00102. Approximate amount of judgment $495,983.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600766/2023. Referee’s Phone Number: 516-510-4020. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-000742 84551 151669

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on The 11th day of March, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN

BALDWIN AVENUE (TH 492(B)/24) South SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 238 feet east of the east curbline of Walnut Street, east for a distance of 25 feet.

ELMONT

BAYLIS AVENUE (TH 40/25) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 247 feet east of the east curbline of Parkway Drive, then east for a distance of 55 feet.

OCEANSIDE

JACKSON STREET (TH 37/25) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 118 feet east of the east curbline of Yorktown Street, then east for a distance of 100 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location:

BALDWIN BALDWIN AVENUE (TH 492/24) South SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 238 feet east of the east curbline of Walnut Street, east for a distance of 30 feet.

(Adopted 12/10/24) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: February 25, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151854

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H1, -againstTONY PERPIGNAN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA N.A. AS SUCCESSOR TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-H1 is the Plaintiff and TONY PERPIGNAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3001 VERITY LN, BALDWIN, NY 11510-4551; and the following tax map identification: 54-415-73. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 017145/2009. Robert A. Abrams, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION

OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 151837

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, for Residential Asset Securities Corporation, Home Equity Mortgage Asset-Backed PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-EMX1, Plaintiff AGAINST

Patrick Christopher; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 30, 2025 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 27, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3368 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 54. Block 551 Lot 51. Approximate amount of judgment $1,390,389.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 603298/2023. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: February 13, 2025 151830

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service. $16-$24/ Hr. Beach Club. 516-239-2150 Eldercare Offered

LOVING PERSON TO Care For Your Loved One. Own Car. Live-in/ Live-out. References. Novelette 347-285-5053

Updated 2 Family

Is this a good time to

build?

Q. We have been planning a large renovation of our home but have put off construction for the past two years due to family circumstances. Now, as we’re ready to move forward, we’re wondering, with everything going on right now, is this a good time to build?

A. It is a good time to build. There are obviously many factors involved in choosing when to start, including costs, permits, the right fit for a contractor relationship, the logistics of where to go while work is being done, where to store things — it’s a long list. But there are many reasons not to hesitate, assuming you have all the necessary plans, approvals and money.

The labor force has been shrinking for many years — especially skilled labor and the workers that skilled laborers need to do a job. Associated Builders and Contractors, a nationally recognized industry trade association, began reporting in January 2024 that an additional 504,000 workers would be needed just to complete current construction in the United States. This year, the association is reporting that 454,000 more workers will be needed. Where will they come from, considering that there are fewer people going into constructionrelated fields?

The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, which (at least for now) compiles reports on local economics, stated last October that “it remains difficult to find workers with certain skills in some industries such as technology, manufacturing and construction.” As I meet on construction sites, I talk with contractors who are all voicing their frustration that they need trained and skilled workers. Since that problem is getting worse, you may use it as the biggest reason to move ahead sooner than later.

Material prices are predicted to rise as well. One contractor blamed the cost of copper for the higher price of bathroom construction. We compared the cost, seven years ago, of rough plumbing going up, then, from $3,500 to $4,500 dollars. Last week we discussed the cost for the same work, just for supply and installation of the piping, without the fixtures, at $9,500 on average. Lumber from our neighbors to the north and steel from overseas are going up. Typically, by the end of January each year, material prices increase slightly. This year those increases were noticeably greater.

Holding off on your construction job probably isn’t a good idea, based on history. When the economy is booming, prices rise because of supply and demand. When things slow down, manufacturers and trades may have to charge even more just to keep the workforce they gave raises to when things were better or even just to stay in business, to cover their expenses to meet overhead costs. This answer isn’t intended to cause panic, but the statistics are right in front of you, on your smartphone, to follow trends and realize that nobody is going to work for less, and it may be hard to find materials or labor at the prices you hoped for. Good luck!

45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy FREON WANTED Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO

We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

KODAK INSTAMATIC M65 Movie Projector in original box. Never used. $40.00. 516-781-7069

SOLIGOR 80-200MM MACRO Zoom lens. Excellent condition. $30.00. 516-781-7069

WESTINGHOUSE ROKU 32" HD SMART TV, WR32HT2212. New, unopened. $65.00. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.

SERVICES

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060 Legal Services INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the

opinions Government must be efficient, coherent and transparent

Throughout my career in public service, I’ve steadfastly championed government efficiency, easing the burden on taxpayers, and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. It’s critical that we continue to examine all levels of government for potential savings, and hold our agencies to the highest standards.

As Hempstead town supervisor, I rooted out waste and corruption, enabling the town to cut taxes, but I did this with transparency and in a deliberative fashion. This is what the American people expect and deserve.

While I support efforts to rein in government spending and waste, I’m deeply concerned by the impact of some of the recent funding freezes and firings that will hurt Long Islanders and throw vital services into chaos.

Just days ago, nearly 20 percent of the World Trade Center Health Program’s staff was abruptly terminated due to staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services. Eliminat-

ing staff members who are working to ensure that 9/11 first responders and survivors receive the care they deserve is outrageous. This is a family matter on Long Island: Every one of us likely knows someone who was impacted by the Sept. 11 attacks. Nearly 7,000 of my constituents in the 4th Congressional District are eligible for the health program, including those who helped our nation when we needed it most.

EThe idea that our government would ever abandon these heroes is unthinkable. I’m glad that President Trump’s administration listened to the New York delegation’s bipartisan outrage and is now rehiring affected staff and working to undo these errors. This is a priority for Long Islanders and all New Yorkers.

leagues to urge the National Institutes of Health to reverse their planned cuts to research institutions across New York state, including Hofstra and Adelphi universities.

fforts to rein in spending in Washington are producing too much chaos.

I’m also closely tracking the developments around federal grant funding freezes. Already we have heard that proposed cuts will have drastic impacts on the universities and nonprofits that are carrying out groundbreaking research and providing critical services on Long Island. I recently joined a bipartisan group of my New York delegation col-

These cuts threaten our progress on lifesaving medical research, and make it harder for Long Islanders suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses to participate in clinical trials that could save lives. I’m glad the administration reversed course on the indiscriminate federal funding freeze proposed earlier this year, which I warned could directly impact our law enforcement agencies’ ability to carry out their jobs and threaten public safety in our communities. I remain concerned, however, about cuts to grant programs, including those for services for survivors of domestic violence and for veterans, and for other nonprofits on Long Island doing important work.

Long Islanders have also raised concerns about the potential cuts to Medicaid, which would have a devastating effect on Nassau County. Last week I heard from many health care organizations and hospitals in my district, and

joined health care advocates for a roundtable discussion of the drastic impacts that Medicaid cuts would have here. More than 100,000 of my constituents, including children and nursing home residents currently covered by Medicaid, could lose access to health care, and costs would rise for tens of thousands more Long Islanders.

We need to protect and strengthen access to health care, not rip it away from seniors, children and veterans on Long Island who rely on Medicaid. This is a bipartisan priority for residents threatened by these cuts. I’ll continue the fight to ensure continued access to health care, and I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to join me in that cause.

The administration has publicly stated that if mistakes are made during its cuts, they’ll be corrected. The White House and its allies in Congress should stand by that promise. They should seek to avoid frenzied mistakes going forward. I agree that we must tighten the belt of government and ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are being utilized efficiently and effectively, but our nation deserves transparency and organized, lawful action instead of the current chaos.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Disbanding secretive ‘militia’ would boost public safety

Last year, Nassau County was ranked the safest municipality of its size in America by U.S. News & World Report for the fifth consecutive year. This is a byproduct of smart investments in law enforcement that ensure that the Nassau County Police Department and our village and city police departments are well trained, properly equipped and robustly supported by the public and their partners in government.

knows exactly what its taxpayer dollars are funding.

As a member of the County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, I am committed to building on this success and safeguarding the progress that we have made in community-focused policing. That’s why, on Feb. 4, my colleague Legislator Scott Davis and I filed a lawsuit against County Executive Bruce Blakeman that seeks to immediately disband his provisional special deputy sheriff initiative — his private militia, for short — and to compel him to comply with public information laws so that the public

ESince filing this lawsuit, my colleagues and I have received a tremendous amount of feedback from our constituents, much of it supportive. Some who disagree, however, contend that our action would deprive county residents of another layer of protection. But when you take a close look at what the program actually is, ending the militia would improve, not hamper, public safety.

The county currently has more than 2,500 highly trained professional officers in its ranks, and in the event of a crisis, there are dozens of similarly trained village, city, state, transit and state university police forces we can call on to bolster those ranks. Under New York County Law 655, sheriffs may deputize those trained officers during an emergency — but the county executive lacks the authority to create an armed civilian force, as he has done.

any benefit from calling up a minimally trained force with firearms that could potentially insert itself into chaotic situations and make them even more so.

Moreover, based on the matrix of accredited law enforcement agencies operating in our county, a militia is unnecessary — and my experience during Superstorm Sandy further illustrates this point.

ven if it were lawful, this is a case in which more is certainly not better.

Even if Blakeman’s actions were lawful, this is a case in which more is certainly not better. Regardless of the professional experience of these 26 militia recruits — that we know of — the residents of Nassau County will not derive

During that once-in-acentury storm, residents of my hometown of Freeport and communities across Long Island’s devastated South Shore benefited from the service and protection of the National Guard, a highly trained force that specializes in responding to catastrophic natural disasters. We were grateful for the Guard’s efforts, which brought us relief and security. Allowing a militia to operate in such a chaotic situation, with little clarity about whom it would answer to, how its members would be identified and the level of their authority, would be a recipe for disaster.

The fact that this militia has been formed, trained and operated in neartotal secrecy only intensifies our concerns. Last year, members of the Democratic minority caucus wrote to Blake-

man, demanding that he disclose essential details of the initiative, including who was being recruited, the scope of their training, the specific weapons they would carry, the total cost of the program to taxpayers, and more. After Blakeman ignored our requests, we filed a formal Freedom of Information Law request to get answers — and the county executive ignored those inquiries, too, violating the law in the process. If this is such a great idea, why break transparency laws to operate it under the cloak of darkness?

The greatest responsibilities we must all contend with in matters of public safety and law enforcement are the preservation and protection of life. Introducing further confusion into highly pressurized situations only increases the risk of a preventable tragedy, which would subject the taxpayers of Nassau County to significant liability for an incident that could have been avoided.

Blakeman’s militia is unlawful, illconceived and dangerous — and it has nothing to do with protecting public safety. It’s time to put an end to this needless diversion and leave this critical work to the trained professionals.

Debra Mulé represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.

LAURA A. GiLLEn

DEBRA MULÉ

HERALD

There should never be a legal excuse for rape

Multi Media Marketing Consultant

2

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: baldwineditor@liherald.com

Copyright

HERALD

imagine going to a party with friends, or attending your high school reunion or a wedding. You see a lot of familiar faces, and some new ones. Everyone is having a good time sharing memories, and you drink into the night.

By the end, you realize you’ve had too much to drink. Walking doesn’t come as easy, and your words are a bit slurred. No worries. It’s nothing that others haven’t done before. You take precautions, don’t drive. Surely you’ll get home safe.

Except you don’t.

Instead, you are sexually assaulted or raped. The evening before is a blur and you can’t quite put the pieces together, but you know something went horribly wrong. You go to the police to file a report, but suddenly you’re the one being interrogated. Officers start asking you if you had any alcohol or drugs last night, and they may even give you a Breathalyzer test. But that shouldn’t matter, right? Someone committed a crime — full stop.

In New York state, however, there is no law in place that protects survivors of sexual assault if they were voluntarily intoxicated during the crime.

It seems absurd that this is not already law in a state as progressive as New York, especially when compared with conservative states like Alabama and South Carolina, which have laws in place protecting sexual assault survivors who are voluntarily intoxicated.

The bill before the New York State Assembly (A.101), sponsored by dozens

letters

Whither civil discourse?

To the Editor:

of elected officials, aims to amend the law “to allow sex crimes charges to be brought in cases where the victim had become voluntarily intoxicated if a reasonable person in the defendant’s position should have known that the victim was incapable of giving consent due to intoxication.” It has languished in the Assembly since a similar bill was introduced in the State Senate by then Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in 2020, and passed two years later.

“Voluntarily” is the crucial word.

Those who oppose the law are afraid the language will allow for false accusations involving voluntary intoxication among consenting adults, specifically if someone regrets the decisions they made the night before and claims they were not in their normal mental state to give consent.

But advocates argue that those extreme and uncommon situations diminish the seriousness of sexual assault and rape, no matter the situation, and have presented cases to support their cause. We agree with those advocates. There is never an excuse for rape or sexual assault — nor for victim blaming or victim shaming.

In 2017, choreographer Bijan Williams, who worked with high-profile entertainers Beyonce and Jay-Z, was arrested on charges of rape and false imprisonment when a 17-year-old girl called 911 and accused him of raping her in a Manhattan hotel room. Williams was 34 old at the time, and both were under the influence of alcohol. Williams pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of sup-

Re last week’s editorial, “In civil discourse, everyone deserves respect”: Those of us who agree must realize that this is a contested proposition, currently facing open challenge by those who declare it an invalid premise. To many, “respect” is a virtue only when it is a synonym for obedience, when “persuasion” may include violence, and “disagreement” is a tool useful for exposing enemies, not for discussion but for vicious doxxing.

Various history months face official obliteration, propaganda terms like Gulf of America, “gender ideology” and “patriotic history” are being devised, their use enforced by lawsuit.

Coerced conformity to stereotype attempts to erase individual expression. Our president claims kingship, uses the royal “we,” disparages diversity. Few such bigots are convertible, so our resolve must be keep them from power through our majority of votes.

James Russell Lowell, in 1873, described our situation: “I have always been of the mind that in a

plying a minor with alcohol, and the rest of the case was dropped.

In 2021, The Washington Post published, “A Minnesota man can’t be charged with felony rape because the woman chose to drink beforehand, court rules.” The headline stemmed from a 2017 case in which a woman consumed several shots of alcohol and a prescription pill before accompanying an unknown man who invited her to a party. She was raped, but because she was intoxicated voluntarily, and the state law only protected those who were mentally incapacitated due to intoxication administered by someone without a person’s consent, the man was not charged.

Victim blaming is all too common for survivors of sexual assault and rape, and while the scars may be invisible, they run deep.

Survivors of sexual assault are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide, according to 2020 research by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Others are plagued by a lifetime of psychological and emotional issues that interfere with their ability to handle everyday activities like holding a steady job.

While criminals walk away with a relative slap on the wrist, survivors continue to suffer from the crimes perpetrated against them, and in many cases they are relegated to carrying the shame heaped on them by society.

Our elected leaders in Albany must pass A.101 now, and close the voluntary intoxication loophole.

Like any resident of Oyster Bay, I’ve always had a fascination with our hometown president, Theodore Roosevelt. He seemed like such a larger-than-life character, a writer who was a soldier, a hunter who was a politician, and a statesman who truly cared for, and understood the needs of, the common man.

opinions Destroying Roosevelt’s legacy

the executive branch to keep moneyed interests out of politics, despite pushback from members of his own cabinet and party.

been exhausted. TR’s embrace of “soft” power, and its importance in foreign relations, was a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for much of the last century.

Which is why it is so disappointing that the new presidential administration seems so invested in tearing down everything that Roosevelt achieved. And no, that’s not hyperbole. President Trump has said numerous times that America was richest during the Gilded Age, from about 1870 to the 1890s, and that he hopes to bring us back to that level of prosperity.

Except that prosperity was a lie, built on the backs of working-class employees who slaved away for limited wages and had no protections, while that generation’s top 1 percent got richer and richer. Roosevelt saw the damage this corrupt system was doing to the country, and earned the nickname “Trustbuster” for his fearlessness in breaking up the early monopolies. He used the power of

Contrast that with Trump, who, rather than regulating big businesses, has invited them into his cabinet, and even more terrifying, into the country’s inner record system. Elon Musk, the J.P. Morgan of the 21st century, has been given the keys to the castle and is currently ransacking our public records, from Social Security to Medicaid and more.

president Trump seems hell-bent on tearing down everything T.R. achieved.

Furthermore, Trump has signed one executive order after another weakening regulatory agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission — which was created in response to the Roosevelt administration’s lawsuit against Morgan’s monopoly. Rather than working to make big business more civic-minded and protect regular Americans from its excesses, Trump is enabling the worst aspects of capitalism in this country, enriching the few at the expense of the many.

Roosevelt was also famous as a diplomat, with his best known-quote describing his approach to foreign policy, to “speak softly and carry a big stick.” That meant maintaining a strong military presence, but only using it as a threat once other methods of diplomacy had

Trump, on the other hand, appears to be more easily herded than any previous president, let alone Roosevelt. His administration’s shameful about-face on Ukraine shows his inability to see the benefit of supporting a free, democratic nation unjustly invaded by Russia’s oligarchic president, Vladimir Putin. That, and Trump’s apparent sycophancy toward Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un and other autocrats, contrasts sadly with Roosevelt’s ability to play the autocrats of his age against one another without forsaking American honor and dignity.

Trump’s attempted destruction of USAID and similar agencies shows a further lack of understanding of soft power, and the limitations businessmen can have when switching to public service. Not everything needs to be profitable to be useful, despite what Trump and Musk may say. USAID not only saves lives, but also reaffirms the fundamental belief among Americans, our allies and even our enemies that we are a country of fundamentally good people. The goodwill we earn internationally from this and similar organizations is a

fundamental aspect of our soft power, which offers another, often more elegant, solution to global threats than simply sending in our military.

But what would really break Roosevelt’s heart is Trump’s apparent disregard for our nation’s natural beauty and the extraordinary people who steward it. Roosevelt was known as a conservationist, and protected roughly 230 million acres of public land during his presidency, including 150 national forests and more than 40 federal bird sanctuaries.

Trump, meanwhile, has gutted our National Park Service and the United States Forest Service — founded by Roosevelt — and has repeated made clear his desire to open public land to oil drilling while deregulating environmental restrictions that big businesses face. His refusal to acknowledge the role humans play in climate change and his unwillingness to hold oil, coal and similar industries accountable would, I have no doubt, make the Bull Moose apoplectic.

I’ve spent countless hours poring over biographies, watching documentaries and listening to podcasts about Roosevelt. While I obviously never met him, and have never met Trump, I can say with certainty that Trump is no Teddy Roosevelt.

Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

democracy, manners are the only effective weapon against the Bowie knife.” Resolute in manners, wary, registered to vote.

BRIAN KElly Rockville Centre

Which of these presidents doesn’t belong?

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “Recalling the presidents I’ve met”: Former Congressman King continues his attempt to gaslight Herald readers by including the current occupier of the White House on his list of former U.S. presidents he’s collaborated with over the last several decades. As if Donald Trump’s attack on U.S. democracy and scorched-earth approach is comparable to the political ideology of any former president, Republican or Democrat. King attempts to gloss over Trump’s abhorrent behavior by reminiscing about an invitation King’s grandchildren received to visit the White House. Why is King trying to normalize the first 30 days of this chaotic presidency by recalling mundane details about

Trump — and including him on a list of former presidents who, by contrast, had a very clear and unwavering love for this republic? Why omit mention of Trump’s flurry of nonsensical executive orders, blanket pardons of the criminals who attacked our Capitol, mass firings of federal employees, attempted eviscerations of the CIA and the FBI, elimination of the Department of Education, and countless threats of retribution against perceived enemies?

Because normalization of outrageous tactics is a tool of MAGA’s propaganda machine — much like the Third Reich systematically rationalized its attacks on the free press and takeover of the military as necessary evils in order to take control of an ailing and dysfunctional government. MAGA’s use of this tactic is deceptive and dangerous, and King seems to be a willing cog in the wheel.

At the very least, in the interest of standing up for his former constituents, King should question Trump’s blatant surrender of our government systems — which include our personal and private information — to Elon Musk, under the guise of DOGE, and acknowledge that it is (at the very least) an overstep by an administration that is suddenly in the hands of an unsanctioned group of non-elected private citizens.

Not even Trump’s supporters voted for Elon Musk.

Congressman, it’s never too late to say, “I misjudged him.” It’s never too late to say, “I was wrong.” And it’s

never too late to hold someone accountable.

The indie and R&B cover band Salvee performing at Sparkle on Stage — Freeport

ElIzABETH MURPHy Franklin Square

Lifesaving Heart Care Close to Home

In 1993, Anita Rothenberg of Valley Stream was first admitted to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ER in Oceanside and treated for a heart attack at the age of 37. She recovered, raised a family and worked as a teacher on Long Island for the next 29 years. Then, in November of 2022, an angiogram showed three blocked arteries. She underwent triple bypass surgery a few days later at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan and completed her cardiac rehabilitation close to home at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Mount Sinai South Nassau o ers comprehensive heart care for Long Islanders, and has received the following ratings and quality awards:

• Rated High Performing in heart attack and heart failure from U.S. News & World Report ® for 2024-2025

• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™

• Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™

• Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures

• Named among the top five percent in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures by Healthgrades

L ea r n mo r e a t mountsinai.org/southnassauheart